Polish aid supports rescue operation after Beirut explosion
06.08.2020
“We are sending international aid to Lebanon,” Deputy Minister Paweł Jabłoński said at a press conference held at the MFA on Wednesday 5 August. He went on to say: “Poland shows solidarity, for solidarity has for years been Poland’s guiding value in international policy.”
Yesterday, 4 August, soon after the explosion, the Polish Embassy in Beirut informed the local authorities about Poland’s readiness to help on the ground. Today, a special aircraft with a rescue mission on board will take off from Warsaw heading for Beirut. The press conference was also attended by Michał Kuczmierowski, President of the Material Reserves Agency.
After a tragic incident in Beirut caused by an explosion in the port area of the city, Poland is sending a rescue mission to Lebanon. It will be carried out by a search and rescue group of the Polish State Fire Service consisting of 43 rescuers and four dogs. The unit will join an ongoing rescue operation. The aircraft will also carry six medical workers and five humanitarian aid experts from the Polish Center for International Aid. Lebanon will receive first aid medical drugs and products, such as compresses, dressings and tourniquets.
Today, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz spoke on the phone with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe. He offered his condolences following the explosion in the Beirut port, assuring Minister Wehbe of his heartfelt sympathy, solidarity and support for the victims and their families. He also declared Poland’s readiness to help the Lebanese government stabilize the situation. The phone call was held on the initiative of the Polish side. After the incident, the Polish Embassy in Beirut is closely following the situation, also having in mind Poles staying in Lebanon. Polish nationals received alerts from the Odysseus system (text messages and emails) and through electronic media. The Polish Embassy is in contact with Poles who, according to its knowledge, may be staying in Beirut. So far, no Polish citizens are reported to be injured or to lose their lives in the explosion. The Polish diplomatic services are seeking further information.
Poland has for years carried out humanitarian and development projects in Lebanon. Since 2012, Lebanon has been a priority destination of Polish humanitarian aid and one of its major recipients. Over a couple of years, Poland has earned itself a reputation of a credible and visible donor, also thanks to the constant presence of Polish non-governmental organizations in the country.
MFA Press Office