WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The White House said Wednesday that the United States would deploy 1,000 additional troops to Poland, a move that might raise security concerns from Russia.
"The United States and Poland have agreed on a framework to deploy an additional 1,000 troops to Poland," the White House said in a statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday during a joint press conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda that the infrastructure for the 1,000 U.S. troops would be constructed by the Polish government, "at no cost to the United States."
Duda said that the increased U.S. military presence in Poland is necessary to defend against Russia and solidify Poland's ties to the West.
Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, currently hosts around 4,500 U.S. troops. It has been lobbying for a permanent U.S. military base on Polish soil, even offering to pay 2 billion U.S. dollars in costs.
Trump recognized Warsaw's decision to purchase 32 F-35 fighter jets. A U.S. F-35 fighter conducted a flyover of the White House right before the joint news conference began.
Trump praised Poland's fulfilment of the commitment to spending more than 2 percent of its GDP on defense, which the Trump administration has repeatedly demanded for other NATO allies.
Trump also noted that he is seriously considering visiting Poland in September.
Washington and Warsaw have been strengthening their security and diplomatic ties. The two countries are on the same page on multiple regional issues such as Iran nuclear issue, alleged Russia's threat as well as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.
Moscow has voiced concerns about Warsaw's intentions, saying NATO's expansion toward Russia's borders would destabilize Europe.
Shrinking of wetlands spurs call for regulation
Xi set for trip to Sochi Games
Giving birth overseas a fast growing industry
'Jihad Jane' sentenced to 10 years for murder plot
Telemarketing scams targeting rich and famous on the increase
WeChat to manage wealth
Vietnamese get first taste of McDonald's fast food
Director questions fine
Super Bowl braces for big chill on Feb 2
14 killed in Russian bombing
New family planning rule to create mini baby boom
Coach profits drive up in China
Ancient expertise provides answers to Sichuan river project
China's icebreaker heads to open water
Sanlitun center treats foreigners like natives
Jamaican sledders will be in Sochi
Beijing turns cold shoulder to Japan
White House fine-tunes Asia pivot to 'quench fire'
Tainted farmland to be restored
H7N9 vaccine trials urged as new cases continue to emerge
Govt smoking ban applauded
Apology letter showed goodwill toward China
Nationwide good Samaritan law needed
Joint operation ensnares poachers
Hollande admits problems in personal life
Delicious, festive holiday choices abound for expats
Weather authorities want to see holiday ban on fireworks
Illegal ivory stash destroyed
Smokers on trains to face big fines
Danish minister tours Beijing on her bicycle