President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States is considering a request from Poland for a permanent U.S. military presence in the fellow NATO country.
Trump also said he had agreed with Polish President Andrzej Duda to enhance the defense and intelligence relationships between the two leaders’ countries and also discussed energy diversity and security in Europe.
“I’m thrilled to say that the Alliance between our nations has never been stronger,” Trump said during a joint press conference with Duda. “In our discussions this afternoon President Duda and I agreed to bolster our robust defense ties. We will enhance cooperation in military relations, intelligence, missile defense, technology and training.”
Poland has repeatedly requested a permanent U.S. military presence on its soil amid fears of Russian aggression, offering up to $2 billion in funding for such a base. U.S. soldiers are now present on its soil through NATO’s back-to-back rotation.
Russia expressed concern in May over reports about Poland’s request, saying NATO’s expansion towards Russia’s borders undermined stability in Europe.