“The Russian aggression against Ukraine is a neo-colonial war. An empire has invaded a neighbouring country to take its land, its riches and profit. The empire is kidnapping people, including children”, stressed Polish President Andrzej Duda during the General Debate in the Qatari capital. The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries is underway in Doha.

Andrzej Duda pointed out that according to Ukrainian estimates, more than a hundred thousand children have been kidnapped by the Russians. 

“Those who refuse to submit to its will are killed by the empire. Does this not remind you of something? Was this not also the history of many of your countries?”, said the President.

He recalled that Poland was itself a victim of the brutal policies of neighbouring empires, and today is counted among the developed countries. “This tragic past is for me a commitment to speak out about the need for solidarity between the developed North and the Global South. It is also a commitment to oppose the situation when one strong country tries to dominate other countries, imposing its will on them or simply attacking them”, said the Polish leader.

During the meeting with journalists, the President convinced that Poland is well regarded by African countries. “We have never had a colony; we have made progress over the past years and we are ready to share our experience. We also have our role against the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Speaking the truth about this is our task”, said Andrzej Duda.

On the sidelines of the Conference, the Polish President met with President Lazarus Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Adrian Andrzejewski