Warsaw, Aug 16 (IANS): Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak and visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed an agreement for the expansion of the US military presence and the creation of a regional headquarter in Poland.

They signed the so-called Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a legal framework that deepens military cooperation between the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

The core of the new agreement consists of the opening of a base in Poland for the 5th Corps of the US Army, which is expected to open in 2021. The total number of American soldiers in Poland will increase by 1,000 to around 5,500.

Blaszczak told Polish Press Agency that the deal will cost Poland around 113 million euros (US $134 million). "Like other countries with a United States military presence, Poland guarantees and pays for military quarters, sustenance, a yearly allowance of fuel, storage of select equipment and armaments, and infrastructure," he said.