The meeting focused on the strengthening of the EU-GCC cooperation in the context of increasing serious threats to regional and international peace, security, and stability, as well as the challenges ahead of the global economy. Recognising unprecedented challenges facing international humanitarian aid, the ministers emphasised the strategic importance of stepping up joint efforts to achieve specific results in the most serious humanitarian crises.

The ministers expressed their deep concern with the developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and condemned any attacks on civilian population. They called for protection of civilians by reminding the parties of their duties under universal principles of international humanitarian law. They also called for caution, release of hostages, and ensuring access to food, water, and medicines in line with that law, and stressed the urgent need to devise a political solution to the crisis.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Wojciech Gerwel underlined the Gulf Cooperation Council’s important role in providing humanitarian aid and development assistance in regions which have been facing serious crises as the result of armed conflicts and natural disasters. For several decades, Poland has been engaged in humanitarian aid and development assistance projects in the Middle East. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland has carried out 32 such projects in Lebanon, Palestine, and other neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, and Syria. Deputy head of Polish diplomacy also noted that Poland is going to continue humanitarian aid for Palestinians. At the same time, he forcefully condemned the ongoing aggression and acts of violence committed by Hamas, especially those targeting civilian population.

Deputy Minister Wojciech Gerwel also recalled that Poland granted a temporary protection status to over 1.6 million Ukrainian refugees, 90 percent of whom are women and children. During the discussion on the continued military support for Ukraine, he encouraged all EU and GCC members to increase their assistance.

While visiting the Sultanate of Oman, the deputy head of Polish diplomacy held a meeting with Polish Honorary Consul in Oman Ahmed Bin Rashad Al Hinai to review Polish-Omani relations.

 

MFA Spokesperson 

Photo: MFA of Oman