WARSAW, April 21 (Xinhua) -- France and Poland are considering joint military exercises as Paris seeks to involve European allies in its nuclear deterrence framework, Polish news website Onet reported on Tuesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the idea with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during talks in Gdansk, northern Poland, on Monday, where the two leaders also explored closer cooperation in trade, investment and defense.
"Among the options we will consider are information sharing, joint exercises and the possible deployment of forces," Macron told a joint press conference on Monday when asked about nuclear cooperation.
Tusk said that discussions on nuclear security cooperation were being held discreetly, adding that Poland had joined "an exclusive group that understands the need for European solidarity and sovereignty" by accepting France's invitation, according to the Polish Press Agency,
Macron said last month that France would strengthen its nuclear arsenal and incorporate "a European dimension" into its deterrence posture, offering interested partners closer coordination, including consultations and joint exercises.
Countries including Sweden, Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece and Denmark have expressed interest. ■