U.S. signs military cooperation agreement with Poland

The Trump administration on Friday announced the signing of a new defense agreement with the Polish government, one that will establish shared logistical costs between the two nations and allow U.S. forces greater access to Polish military infrastructure. 

The agreement "will enhance [the countries'] military cooperation and increase the United States military presence in Poland to further strengthen NATO deterrence, bolster European security, and help ensure democracy, freedom, and sovereignty," President Trump said in a statement on Saturday. 

The U.S. Department of State on its website said that the agreement works as a supplement to NATO's 1951 Status of Forces Agreement. Among its provisions: It "outlines the legal status of U.S. forces in Poland and will provide the necessary authorities for U.S. forces to access specific Polish military installations and conduct activities for our mutual defense;" it also "supports expanded infrastructure, and enables an increased U.S. military presence in Poland."

The accord also "provides a mechanism for the sharing of logistical and infrastructure costs for U.S. forces present in Poland." The president said on Saturday that the agreement "serves as a model for other nations with respect to equitable burden sharing."

"Poland is a crucial strategic U.S. Ally in Central Europe," the state department said. "Polish troops stand shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and provide critical support to the Defeat-ISIS Campaign."