WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the ranking member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, today issued a statement of appreciation to coalition partners Hungary and Poland for their contributions in Afghanistan:

“The United States cannot forget the important contributions of our friends, Hungary and Poland, in Afghanistan. Their efforts helped pave the way for Afghan citizens to vote in democratic elections for the first time in decades, send Afghan girls to school, and provide security for vulnerable populations.

“For nearly 20 years, Poland made significant contributions to combating terrorism and providing security in Afghanistan. Over this period, nearly 31,000 Polish soldiers served while 44 lost their lives and 867 were injured. Poland remained committed to the very end of the NATO mission, including evacuating 1,232 individuals from Kabul to Poland. This effort involved 52 military and 15 civilian flights.

“Hungary served alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan since 2003 and suffered 7 casualties.  During the withdrawal, Hungary evacuated approximately 540 individuals from Kabul, including 57 Afghan families and 180 children in need of immediate assistance.

“As a member of the U.S. Senate and as ranking member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I would like to convey the gratitude of the United States to Hungary and Poland for their contributions and sacrifice.”