Lubna Al Qasimi discusses cooperation with Ireland

Abu Dhabi, April 28, 2013 (WAM) - Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development has discussed with the visiting Irish Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., joint cooperation in developmental and humanitarian issues and coordinating positions between the UAE and Ireland. The two sides also discussed the current state of affairs of international humanitarian and developmental work and the global efforts that are being exerted to confront the ramifications of humanitarian crisis. During the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Sheikha Lubna affirmed that the UAE constantly seeks to strengthen its cooperation with countries and international organisations in order to achieve prosperity and development for all of the world's peoples and to alleviate the hardships suffered by those affected by humanitarian catastrophes and crisis. Sheikha Lubna also pointed out that the UAE is one of the world's important donors in the humanitarian and developmental assistance realm and that providing medical and disease combating assistance to impoverished countries, especially to children, is on the top of its priorities, adding that this was clearly reflected by His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces' initiative on 24 April 2013 to pledge the allocation of US$ 120 million (DH 440 million) in support of global efforts to eradicate polio by 2018. Furthermore, she stressed on the importance of formulating a global strategy to combat and eradicate diseases and to build on the successes that have been achieved in this regard. For his part, the Irish Minister expressed his country's appreciation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's initiative and of the leading developmental and humanitarian role played by the UAE. He also briefed Sheikha Lubna on Ireland's developmental and humanitarian contributions, pointing out that the western European island country places a strong emphasis on securing food to children in impoverished nations and encouraging private sector involvement and modern technology utilisation in this regard. The visiting Minister also briefed Sheikha Lubna on Ireland's medical assistance program in Africa that is focused on combating the spread of Malaria and HIV AIDS. He also pointed out that approximately one fifth of all Irish aid is channelled multilaterally through the European Union, with the remaining 80 percent being disseminated bilaterally or via nongovernmental organisations. – Emirates News Agency, WAM