The distinction was awarded to the participants of the Polish Military and Civilian Medical Mission in Lombardy (Italy) and the Polish Military Medical Mission to the US as part of the Partnership Programme between the Polish Armed Forces and the Illinois National Guard:

·      Col. Robert Ryczek, MD, PhD,

·      Capt. Jacek Siewiera, MD, PhD,

·      Jakub Klimkiewicz, MD, PhD,

·      Mr Tomasz Kutycki.

In addition to their involvement in the above-mentioned missions, they took part in a number of seminars and videoconferences which shared knowledge and supported foreign partners with respect to countering the pandemic.

 The deputy chiefs of Polish diplomacy awarded the Bene Merito distinction to Major Brigadier Andrzej Bartkowiak, the Chief Commandant of the State Fire Service, and Brigadier Michał Langner, who had significantly contributed to the organisation and delivery of Polish humanitarian convoys to countries struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine.

 Established in 2009, the Bene Merito honorary distinction is conferred by the minister of foreign affairs in acknowledgement of services that contribute to strengthening Poland’s status in the international arena.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Office

Phot. Tymon Markowski / MFA