On October 4, 2023, Mr. Wojciech Gerwel, the Secretary of State for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, handed over humanitarian aid to the Armenian authorities, dedicated to the refugees seeking shelter in Armenia due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and delivered an official statement at the Zvartnots International Airport, where the Armenian media representatives were gathered, the text of which we present to your attention:
“Today Poland is providing humanitarian aid to Armenia. We understand how difficult is the situation on the ground. We are observing with great concern over one hundred thousand Armenian refugees fleeing to Armenia from the Nagorno-Karabakh Region.
- We see that the Armenian authorities have taken immediate steps to secure shelter, medical care and financial support. At the same time, the scale of this phenomenon is so enormous that other countries decided to help. We would like to show Poland’s support to Armenia in these difficult times.
- Poland, in solidarity with the Armenians, who are exhausted and in need of immediate assistance, provides today in-kind assistance including 10 tons of food and 200 camp beds with duvets.
- Moreover, in response to the appeal of the UNHCR Office in Yerevan on the urgent needs of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, Poland is contributing USD 200,000.
- Our quick reaction should be also perceived as a gesture of friendship. Poland and Armenia have a long history of close relations and we could not leave our friends in need without providing a concrete help in this difficult time.
- Poland has been already providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict in Nagorno Karabah.
- In years 2021-2022 the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs financed two years humanitarian project entitled “Make Home not War” focused on the reconstruction of houses and rehabilitation of people injured as a result of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The project was implemented in cooperation with Caritas Armenia with the budget of USD 220 000,00.
- We have been also providing medical equipment and wheelchairs to medical facilities in Armenia. In 2020 we contributed 100 000 Swiss francs to International Red Cross actions in Nagorno Karabah.
- I came here also to manifest that Poland supports Armenia in its democratic reforms and efforts to enhance its cooperation with the EU. Poland understands these aspirations and will support them. We will assist in this regard not only within the framework of bilateral cooperation, but also at the forum of the European Union.
- The most important thing now is securing internal stability in Armenia, allowing the continuation of reforms and the peace process. We call for a reduction of tension and no further escalation of violence. The basis for the continuation of the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the unquestionable territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- I would like to take this opportunity to once again confirm Poland’s support for internal stability in Armenia and wish a rapid overcoming of the current difficulties for a better and peaceful future.
- Poland has always advocated for a peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. There is no alternative to peace. We hope for a quick end of the conflict and signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
Embassy of Poland
