Christmas Eve meeting of the President with soldiers and officers
The President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, met with soldiers of the Polish Army and officers of the Border Guard stationed along Poland's eastern border.
The President familiarised himself with the tasks carried out by soldiers of the Military Task Force ‘North’ and Border Guard officers as part of Operation ‘Safe Podlasie’.
Since July 2021, Polish Army soldiers have been lending support to the Border Guard in response to the migratory pressure on the Polish–Belarusian border. The soldiers provide support to the Border Guard in many different activities and operations.
Next to border and observation posts, during his visit, the President observed the standard tasks carried out by mobile posts manned by soldiers and Border Guard officers along the border, as well as their training activities and physical training.
The primary objective of Operation 'Safe Podlasie' is to help the Border Guard ensure the integrity of the state border and counter threats and disturbances to public safety at the border and in the border area. These activities also aim to strengthen the protection of Poland's eastern border and ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the Podlasie region.
On the occasion of Christmas, the President took part in a Christmas meeting with soldiers and officers and in a video call with soldiers serving in units on the eastern border and with soldiers serving in Polish Military Contingents abroad.
Speaking to the uniformed services, Karol Nawrocki emphasised that Christmas Eve is a special time when our hope for peace, charity and freedom in the world is reborn. At the same time, we are struck by the stark realisation that war is part of our lives.
Freedom must be defended because war is not far off. Our borders are under threat due to the actions of Russia and Belarus but are safe thanks to your daily work, he emphasised.
He added that the security of the state border would not be possible without the daily sacrifice and hard work of Polish soldiers and officers stationed both in the country and abroad. “I have come here to express my great respect for the Polish uniform. I do not know of a better way to show my gratitude than to spend Christmas Eve with you. Merry Christmas, and I hope you enjoy Christmas Eve with your friends.” – said Karol Nawrocki.
As Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this sacrifice. I am proud of you; the nation is proud of you! – he added.
The President emphasised that all soldiers and officers act as ambassadors for Poland and play a key role in shaping its position within alliances. This includes fulfilling their duties in the most important alliance of all: the North Atlantic Alliance.
– This is why we arm ourselves and build our armed forces. This is why we insist on allocating 5% of our GDP to the army: so that no one dares attack our beloved Republic of Poland – he concluded.
