Polish Ambassador to Egypt, Michal Labenda, said that Poland has been working for years on developing a system in anticipation of a refugee crisis resulting from a potential Russian attack against Ukraine. “Therefore, within four hours after the outbreak of the war, we had established eight reception centres supporting border crossing points, where refugees could obtain information as well as meals, rest and emergency medical assistance.”
The ambassador’s statements came during a press conference held in the Polish Embassy in Cairo yesterday. He noted that there are 22 information points in polish cities in addition to special information sites where anyone interested can receive full, updated information on the available services, he added.
Part of the Karazin National University campus in the city of Kharkiv is destroyed after being struck by a Russian missile.
The ambassador explained that Polish authorities have immediately created relief mechanisms demonstrating solidarity at every political, state and human level. “Poland welcomes citizens of all countries regardless of their citizenship race or religion. They are allowed to enter Poland for a period not exceeding 15 days without obtaining a visa and only on the basis of a document that reliably proves their identity even if its expiration date has passed.”
Since the beginning of the attacks, more than 470,000 people have entered Poland through the 9 operational border crossing points with Ukraine. According to the ambassador, there are 500 Egyptians among them.
“We are in close contact with the Egyptian embassy in Warsaw to make the process as effective as possible. The Egyptian embassy confirms that flow of Egyptian citizens to the border is increasing by hundreds and the treatment and hospitality from the Polish side are highly appreciated,” he went on.
According to Ambassador Labenda, the embassy is arranging accommodation for the Egyptians when they contact it and many of them left Poland via regular flights. The rest are being put together to arrange their travel back home.
Speaking to The Gazette, the ambassador said that the heads of European missions in Egypt have gathered to show solidarity. “We expressed our concern that Russia has already seized Chernobyl area. We are ready to take more procedures. If you walk through Zamalek, you will notice that we have raised the Ukraine flag. We try to fight against Russia. We are fighting Russian disinformation and false propaganda,” he said.
The ambassador said they had no choice but to impose sanctions against Moscow. “We encourage Russia to come back to negotiating table. It may be not easy. However, we can live without Russia but we know Russia cannot live without us,” he stressed.
