UAE's humanitarian support to Somalia hailed

Abu Dhabi, Nov 16, 2011 (WAM) - Somali Minister of Min. of Mineral Resources, Water, Energy, '&' Petroleum Abdulkadir Mohamed Dhi'sow expressed gratitude to the UAE for the continuous "invaluable humanitarian assistance" to the people of Somalia. The Somali official made the remarks in a meeting here with Secretary General of the UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA) Mohammed Al-Qamzi. "Relief and medical aid provided by RCA to the poor in refugee camps and slums in and outside Mogadishu is the best instance of brotherly ties and cooperation between the two countries," he said. The Minister also expressed confidence that the UAE's RCA will continue to assist his country in drinking water projects in Somali cities. For his part, Al-Qamzi said there are directives by the top leadership of RCA to expand the humanitarian and development support to the famine-struck Horn of Africa country. He cited RCA-funded Al-Hanan Maternity and Child Care Hospital which is under construction by UAE's Al Waha International Company which is led by Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al-Nahyan. "Security and stability are required for the implementation of development projects and provide educational and health services to the people of Somalia and for building the country's cities," he added. - Emirates News Agency, WAM