Ankara: Poland's defense minister announced that discussions with the United States regarding the establishment of a permanent American military base in Poland have progressed to the "next stage."

According to Anadolu Agency, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz shared on social media platform X that the Pentagon is currently conducting a force review following a positive response from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Poland's proposal. "Following the positive response from the US Secretary of Defense to my proposal, we are at the next stage of talks. A force review is underway at the Pentagon, which will serve as the basis for further decisions," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated. He emphasized that increased US military engagement would enhance deterrence and ensure Poland's security.

Earlier in the month, Kosiniak-Kamysz formally proposed the creation of a permanent US military base in Poland, promising that Warsaw would make every effort to increase the presence of American troops, as reported by TVP World. Currently, around 10,000 US troops are stationed in Poland, primarily on a rotational basis.

This proposal emerges as European nations reevaluate their security strategies amid uncertainty regarding Washington's long-term military commitment to the continent. In May, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. Last month, the Trump administration briefly paused the planned deployment of about 4,000 troops to Poland, before President Donald Trump later declared that an additional 5,000 US personnel would be sent to the country.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has expressed support for stronger defense cooperation with Washington, stating that the US should remain Poland's principal security partner.