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.
o 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.
o 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.”
