QATAR has always been at the forefront in helping different nations across the globe in their difficult times whether they are facing natural calamities or other challenges. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, Qatar has provided generous medical assistance to around 100 countries around the globe.
Now when a friendly country India is facing a huge challenge posed by second wave of COVID-19, Qatar has become part of global efforts to address the challenge for the relief of millions of people. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held on April 27 a conversation via telephone with H E Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, during which they discussed the two countries latest efforts in containing the novel coronavirus pandemic.
His Highness also expressed the State of Qatar’s solidarity with the Indian people, in the efforts India is exerting in facing a new wave of the virus, expressing condolences on the victims, and wishing the injured a swift recovery. On Thursday, Qatar Airways announced that it would be supporting international efforts to tackle the second COVID-19 surge in India by shipping medical aid and equipment to the country free of charge from global suppliers.
The airline intends to transport 300 tonnes of aid from across its global network to Doha where it will be flown in a three-flight cargo aircraft convoy directly to destinations in India where it is most desperately needed. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker said: “The State of Qatar has a long and special relationship with India, and we have watched with great sorrow as COVID-19 has once again caused a significant challenge to the country. As one of the world air cargo leaders, with an extensive international network, we stand ready to provide humanitarian support by transporting these much-needed supplies, and help the country fight back against this appalling virus.”
According to recent information shared by the Government Communications Office (GCO), Qatar has so far provided medical and humanitarian assistance to nearly 100 countries since the start of the global outbreak. Aid from government and non-government entities stands at over $256m, and has been offered to around 88 countries, the GCO had said in a tweet. In April 2021, Qatar Red Crescent Society also launched an international campaign to raise $100m in donations for COVID-19 vaccines for more than three million refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants across 20 countries.
