On his visit to Iran, Poland's foreign minister Zbigniew Rau has commemorated the 2 thousand Poles who are buried at the Polish Cemetery in the Iranian capital of Tehran. He spoke of the Poles who had been deported to labour camps in the Soviet Union, and who 80 years ago began the long way back home in what is known as the evacuation of General Anders' Army.
At the cemetery, he said it was " a difficult and painful experience which still shapes our vision of the contemporary world, and especially in a context of current events in Ukraine. This place also speaks of the extraordinary hospitality, awarded by Iranians to Polish exiles".
The Polish Foreign Minister thanked the Iranian authorities and the Armenian community for their care of the Polish graves.
The memorial ceremony was also joined by Ukraine's Ambassador to Iran, Serhij Burdilyak. Many of the Poles buried in Teheran had been born on what is now Ukrainian territory. In his address, the Ambassador also referred to Russia's aggression and spoke his thanks to Poland
"Ukraine is grateful to the friendly Polish government, and our brothers, people of Poland for their assistance, in particular for providing shelter for millions of Ukrainian civillian refugees, which is constantly bringing humanity closer to the victory over evil, death and hatred" he said.
In Iran, the Polish Foreign Minister is holding talks on bilateral issues, particularly trade contacts, and is also to speak with representatives of the Iranian authorities on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Source: IAR