From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Polish President Andrzej Duda, has explained why the Government of Poland sided with Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia.

Duda spoke in Abuja at an event on new avenues of Polish-Nigerian cooperation after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Poland and Nigeria in the field of agriculture.

The event had in attendance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunimbe Mamora; Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, his Kano and Ondo States counterparts, Umar Ganduje and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively, among others.

Duda noted that the war has brought a lot of difficulties, shocks and crises both in Europe and beyond.

He listed the crises to include energy crisis and food crisis, both of which he said, posed a huge threat to humanity.

 

“Unfortunately, due to our history, we do know very well what Russian imperialism stands for, what Russian total invasion stands for, and that is why we are lending our full and unequivocal support to Ukraine. We are supporting Ukraine in every single aspect,” Duda said.

Duda further said Poland is providing its support to Ukraine in the defense of its borders, in the defense of its independence, its rights and its international position, including the defense of international law.

Duda also said Poland is lending its support to Ukrainian citizens by giving them shelter.

The Polish President added that Poland is providing support to Ukrainian armed forces by trying to assist them to defend their borders.

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“We are helping Ukrainians because we are absolutely sure that Ukraine and Ukrainians were invaded without any reason whatsoever due to the imperial ambitions and colonial ambitions of Russia,” Duda stated.

While saying that the war in Ukraine was not only affecting the neighbourhood of Ukraine and Poland, Duda added that the war was spilling over into Europe, across the world and in Africa.

Duda said that the world was very much aware that the war in Ukraine which posed a threat to Africa, also posed a potential food crisis.

He however expressed satisfaction that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Nigerian Government on cooperation in the field of agriculture.

He expressed hope that the agreement will provide a platform for sharing experiences which Poland have got in the country.

“We have got vast experiences in the field of agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, climate protection, and production of eco friendly foods,” Duda explained.

Duda also said he believed that the cooperation between both countries announced during his visit to Nigeria will contribute to repairing those economic chains that were broken as a result of war and COVID-19.

Earlier, a Member of the Board of Polish Investment and Trade Agency, Zdzislaw Sokal, said cooperation between Poland and Nigeria is crucial for both countries, adding that it was even more important as a result of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Sokal also said Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa, stating that Nigeria’s earnest potential is a crucial, driving partner for Poland.

He however said Poland was not interested in speaking about potential only, but wanted the event to inspire action for both countries to work together towards mutually beneficial long term cooperation.