Home  /  Newsroom  /  News  /  2022  /  Commander strengthens ties with Polish Allies

SZCZECIN, Poland - On 19-21 January, LTG Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) paid his first visit to Warsaw. The tour served as a means to forge close bonds between the Corps and the Polish Armed Forces. Alongside Germany and Denmark, Poland is one of MNC NE's founders and framework nations, and has been home to the Corps Headquarters since the unit's very establishment in 1999.

GEN Andrzejczak (Poland's Chief of Defence) and LTG von Sandrart (COM MNC NE) at the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces in Warsaw, 21 January 2022 / Photo by CHOD PAO

GEN Mika (General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces) and LTG von Snadrart (COM MNC NE) at the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces in Warsaw, 20 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

During his visit, LTG von Sandrart held a range of in-person talks with the key leaders of the Polish Armed Forces, including GEN Rajmund Andrzejczak (Poland's Chief of Defence), GEN Jarosław Mika (the General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces), LTG Tomasz Piotrowski (the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces) and LTG Wiesław Kukuła (the Commander of the Polish Territorial Defence Forces).

The meetings served to enhance defence partnerships and cater for emerging challenges throughout the Baltic Sea region. The leaders strengthened the already thriving cooperation with regard to training plans and NATO's deterrence across the MNC NE area of operations.

Poland is a great host nation to our NATO family, and the Polish Armed Forces are a cornerstone of Multinational Corps Northeast. We will build on a strong foundation of camaraderie and trust, LTG von Sandrart said.

While in Warsaw, the Commander appreciated the opportunity to share common approaches to issues such as collective security with ministerial and presidential officials, including Mr Paweł Soloch, the Head of the National Security Bureau of Poland. Additionally, the visit enabled LTG von Sandrart to meet with Germany's and Denmark's Ambassadors to Poland, representing the Corps' two other framework nations.

From the left: LTG Piotrowski (COM OPSCOM), LTG von Sandrart (COM MNC NE) and BG Kowalik (DCOS Support MNC NE) at the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command, 20 January 2022 / Photo by SSG Piotr Gubernat 

LTG von Sandrart arrives at the Polish Territorial Defence Forces HQ in Zegrze, near Warsaw and is received by their Commander, LTG Kukuła, 21 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNC NE) and Mr Paweł Soloch (Head of the National Security Bureau of Poland), 21 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

LTG von Sandrart marked the beginning of his first tour to Poland's capital with laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Rendering his honours to the fallen, the Corps Commander stated:

 I salute Polish heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their bravery is a reminder for all of us as soldiers and NATO Allies what the true cost of our freedom is.

LTG von Sandrart with the MNC NE delegation at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (accompanied by the Warsaw Garrison Deputy Commander), 19 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

LTG von Sandrart with the MNC NE delegation at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (accompanied by the Warsaw Garrison Deputy Commander), 19 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

LTG von Sandrart signs in the memorial book at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, 19 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner