Poland to lift veto on Russia-EU talks

Polish Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, has said Poland is ready to allow future talks between Russia and the EU, during a visit to Moscow. The country has previously vetoed any talks over a new Russia-EU co-operation agreement.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has expressed his joy about the lifting of a Russian embargo on Polish meat imports.

“I am very glad the trade embargo is now history. I think this will allow talks to be unblocked in order to secure a new Russian-EU agreement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said there were clear signs the two countries were moving closer to each other.

“Negotiations have shown both sides are keen on improving relations and are willing to try and achieve a good political climate between Russia and Poland. We are hoping the situation can be improved after the intergovernmental commission on trade co-operation resumes its work,” Lavrov said.

Poland had blocked Russia-EU talks on the new co-operation deal in 2007 in retaliation at a Russian embargo on Polish meat imports.

The diplomatic deadlock was broken when Donald Tusk came to power at the end of last year. During his election campaign Tusk made clear he was determined to resolve the row.

The co-operation agreement will be discussed in detail during the Polish Prime Minister's visit to Moscow next month.