By Staff Reporter
ABU DHABI,- The United Arab Emirates has delivered a fresh consignment of humanitarian assistance to Colombia as part of its ongoing response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country on August 10.
The UAE and Colombian governments confirmed on September 20 that the aid had arrived in Colombia. The shipment forms part of a US$10 million emergency humanitarian assistance package announced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan following the disaster.
The latest consignment includes food, hygiene supplies and cleaning products, with the items selected according to needs identified by Colombian authorities in communities affected by the earthquake.
The supplies were procured by the UAE from markets in neighbouring Paraguay as part of efforts to use regional production and logistics networks to speed up humanitarian deliveries.
Dr Tareq Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the arrival of the shipment represented an important step towards fulfilling the UAE’s US$10 million commitment.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the Colombian government and people during their recovery efforts, saying the UAE would continue working with Colombian authorities as the response moves from immediate relief towards rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Al Ameri also said the UAE would maintain close coordination with Colombian authorities to ensure assistance reaches communities most in need.
Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula welcomed the delivery, describing it as a demonstration of the strong relations and cooperation between Colombia and the UAE.
On behalf of the Colombian government, Bula expressed gratitude to the UAE for its support to communities affected by the earthquake.
The two governments said the shipment demonstrates how humanitarian funding can be combined with regional production and logistical capabilities to deliver emergency assistance more quickly and efficiently.
The UAE’s latest contribution is expected to form part of the broader international effort to support Colombia’s earthquake recovery and reconstruction programme.
Source: Emirates News Agency
