Polish President Visits EU Mission on Armenia-Azerbaijan Border, Baku Vows “Diplomatic Measures”

YEREVAN — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda visited the Polish staff at an observation point of the EU Mission in Armenia, the President’s Press Office reports.

“Honored to welcome the President of Poland Andrzej Duda, in Paruyr Sevak today. Head of Mission Markus Ritter provided a briefing on the current situation and EUMA’s work on the ground. The President also had the opportunity to meet with the contingent of EUMA,” the EU Mission said on X after the visit.

Markus Ritter, the head of the European Union Mission in the Republic of Armenia (EUMA) is from Germany, and Marek Kuberski, deputy head of mission is from Poland.

Azerbaijan has condemned the President of Poland for visiting the Armenia-Azerbaijan border area in the company of members of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA).

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry labeled it “another demonstration of anti-Azerbaijani policy of different EU member countries and European institutions.”

“We deeply regret that President of the country which is officially a “strategic partner” of Azerbaijan has participated in the unacceptable diplomatic “binocular show” leading to the aggravation of relations between Azerbaijan and Poland,” the Foreign Ministry said.

It noted that the Polish side “did not refrain from this provocative step” despite the numerous messages sent from Azerbaijani officials to the Presidential Administration and Foreign Ministry of Poland.

“Azerbaijan retains its rights to take due diplomatic measures against this unfriendly action,” the Ministry said.

The mission was established in February 2023 for a period of two years. EUMA is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas and supporting the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible. EUMA is an essential component of the EU’s efforts in supporting peace and stability in the region.