 |
On April 9, 2009 Polish Minister of National Defence Bogdan Klich paid an official visit to Lebanon. During his stay he visited soldiers of the Polish Military Contingent (PMC) operating under UNIFIL.
The delegation included: Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Gen. Franciszek Gongor, Director of the Military Foreign Affairs Department Gen. Romuald Ratajczak, Head of the Parliamentary Defense Committee Senator Maciej Klima, Deputy of Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces Gen. Sławomir Dygnatowski. The delegation was accompanied by MEP Tadeusz Zwiewka and reporters from the leading Polish magazines, radio and Tv stations.
In the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura Minister Klich met with Major General Claudio Graziano. The talks concentrated on up to date participation of Polish soldiers in UNIFIL and plans to withdraw PMC from Lebanon.
Minister explained that the decision to end this mission was based on the strategy adopted by government on January 2009 which gives priority to NATO and UE operation.
Presence of the PMC in Lebanon started in 1992 with arrived of Medical Corps. At present the contingent consist of 500 soldiers and civil staff members, responsible mostly for transport, maintenance and reparation of technical equipment.
In short speech Bogdan Klich thanked Polish soldiers for their commitment, professionalism and actions in strengthening peace and stabilization in South Lebanon.
The congratulatory letters were given to outstanding soldiers and officers of the PMC for their exemplary service.
In the afternoon Polish delegation was received by H.E Gen. Michel Sleiman the President of the Republic of Lebanon and had discussion with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi. The meetings focused on the political situation in Lebanon and region as well on the militaty co- operation between the Lebanese and Polish armies.
President Sleiman expressed his gratitute for the years long participation of the Polish soldiers in UNIFIL mission and Polish support for peace process in the Middle East. He expressed his will to intensify political dialogue, economic and cultural co- operation and direct contact between both societies.
President received with pleasure the information of possible signing of military co-operation agreement between Poland and Lebanon.
[news archive] |
|
.gif)
