Speaking near the border barrier in Poland's northeastern Podlaskie region, Duda thanked the uniformed services for their role in confronting what he described as a “hybrid attack” that he said began in mid-2021 and was orchestrated with the involvement of Belarusian authorities.
That year saw thousands of people from the Middle East and Africa pushed toward the Polish border in what EU officials have called a form of state-sponsored migration pressure.
“I want to thank all the officers of the Border Guard, soldiers, and police officers for this extremely courageous defense of the Polish border, and of our fellow citizens,” Duda said. “But also for the defense of the European Union’s borders and the Schengen zone. By doing so, we Poles showed that we take our responsibilities within the European community seriously.”
The president met with personnel stationed near the village of Jaryłówka and handed out commemorative medals to representatives of the Border Guard, the police, and the Polish Armed Forces.
Duda was accompanied by senior military and security officials, including Border Guard Commander General Robert Bagan, Armed Forces Operational Commander General Maciej Klisz, Deputy Chief of Police Rafał Kochańczyk, Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda, and Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek.
President Andrzej Duda visited Poland’s border with Belarus on Friday. Photo: PAP/Artur Reszko
The president pointed out the humanitarian work carried out by Polish forces, who, he said, have frequently rescued migrants from drowning in rivers or swamps and from life-threatening hypothermia during harsh weather conditions.
“You have saved lives, shown immense dedication, and demonstrated acts of humanity,” he told them.
Addressing criticism of the border mission from within Poland, Duda apologized to troops for “the unpleasantness caused by some of our fellow citizens,” describing some critics as “irresponsible” and “outright rude.” He said that anyone “honest in the Republic” had stood "firmly behind the Polish uniform."
Deputy Defense Minister Bejda echoed the president’s sentiments, describing the everyday service of troops and border guards as “heroic” and the highest form of patriotism.
He thanked both personnel and their families, emphasizing ongoing investments in defense, including the Eastern Shield security program and the acquisition of tanks.
“Poland is becoming more heavily armed, safer, and stronger, and it is thanks to you,” Bejda said.
Bejda also praised Duda for what he called model cooperation on national security, including with the National Security Bureau.
Deputy Interior Minister Mroczek recalled the president’s 2021 decision to deploy the military to the border, which he said had been essential to ensuring effective protection. He emphasized that stopping migrants at the eastern border had a direct impact on preventing secondary flows to Poland’s western frontier.
“We have been highly effective in halting illegal migration,” Mroczek said. “The operations of Belarusian and Russian services and criminal networks are proving less successful. We are close to shutting down this illegal migration route.”
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP