The world today is facing enormous challenges posed by some of the worst humanitarian crisis, which makes it impossible for a few organisations or one or two countries to respond to the needs of people affected by these crises regardless in which part of the world they are.
UN and other humanitarian organisations could not develop and provide the required support without generous support of some countries around the world; among these is Qatar which is known for its commendable generosity and continued humanitarian response and commitment.
Last July Qatar’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Abdullah Al Nuaimi pointed out that “Qatar’s foreign assistance for the period from 2013 to 2017 amounted to QR23bn ($6.3bn) and included more than 140 countries in partnership with the United Nations and many international and regional organisations”. Qatar’s humanitarian role has attracted global praise and it was achieved under the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who issued several directives to launch aid to supports people in affected areas.
This includes directive to launch an airlift for flood relief to the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia affected by the floods that hit towns in the south and centre of the country in November this year. Accordingly, Qatar sent a new batch of aid amounting to 46 tonnes of various medical and relief materials, bringing the total aid to 88 tonnes, transported by a plane of the Qatari Amiri Air Force. It was accompanied by a team from the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group (Lekhwiya).
The Somali government commended the assistance provided by the State of Qatar to those affected by floods that hit large parts of the country. In a ceremony attended by Somalia’s ministers, top officials, parliamentarians and ambassadors accredited to Somalia, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) recently participated in inauguration of the Diplomatic Institute rehabilitation project which was renovated by the QFFD.
The organisation is currently implementing a range of different development projects in Somalia, where the work is underway on the construction of the 90-km MogadishuJowhar road and the 22-km Mogadishu-Afgoye road.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia Ahmed Issa Awad has praised the Qatari government’s continuous support to Somalia. Qatar’s support for the Somali people comes in the context of a well established foreign policy based on bilateral cooperation and provision of support for humanitarian commitments. Qatar is affirming its will to continue to be a key supporter of Somalia, making remarkable efforts in the fields of development and humanitarian aids to help brotherly and friendly countries.
