UAE relief ships arrive Libyan port of Benghazi

Two cargo ships carrying 700 tonnes of humanitarian assistance arrived on Wednesday at Benghazi seaport as part of a joint UAE-Turkey relief programme for the Libyan people.

Welcomed by UAE Ambassador to Libya Sultan Rashid Al Kitoub, and Secretary General of the Libyan Red Crescent Dr Abbdul Hamid Al Medani, the ship, which set sailed from the Turkish seaport of Mersin, carried Dh14.6 million worth of humanitarian aid, including 32 tonnes of medicine and medical supplies, 388 tonnes of food, 2,000 tents, 20,000 blankets and 72 tonnes of potable water as well as a portable kitchens and two portable bakeries.

A joint Turkey-UAE Red Crescent team is on board to oversee the distribution of the relief supplies, and to provide basic services.

Al Kitoub said the assistance were dispatched in implementation of instructions given earlier by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for rushing urgent relief aid to people affected by events in Libya.

He affirmed the sincere keenness of the leadership and government of the UAE to give hand to sisterly and friendly countries at times of humanitarian crises and ordeals.

"The UAE has been among the first responders to the humanitarian appeal to Libya," he added.

He indicated that the relief supplies would ease the suffering of affected people and improve their living conditions.

Saleh Ashur, leader of the UAE relief team, said the UAE has intensified its relief operations to address the regrettable situation the Libyan people are facing.

"An emergency relief programme has been carried out in coordination with the Libyan Red Crescent," he said, noting shortage of medical supplies and equipment in the Libyan hospitals.

He assured that the UAE is ready to offer any possible assistance to improve the humanitarian situation whether within Libya or at the Libyan borders with Tunisia and Egypt.

Al Medani paid tribute to the UAE under the leadership of President Khalifa for ordering urgent humanitarian relief and medical assistance to the Libyan people.

He likened the UAE humanitarian initiatives towards the Libyan people like a good plant that carries the message of love and peace from the UAE people to all distressed people.

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