Somali envoy hails UAE's Red Crescent humanitarian efforts

Abu Dhabi, Sep. 9, 2008: Somali Ambassador to the UAE Ahmed Mohammed Akal hailed the humanitarian initiatives launched by the UAE in the Horn of Africa to fight poverty and hunger as well as to boost development of local communities.

He expressed Somalia's appreciation of efforts by the UAE's Red Crescent Authority to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged communities. Akal made his remarks as he was received yesterday by RCA Board Chairman, Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-Ka'abi. "RCA's hectic field activities have made it a well-known humanitarian landmark", he remarked.

"Somalia which already suffers from armed conflicts and natural disasters is one of the countries worst affected by a drought which has hit the Horn of Africa leaving millions million people in need of food aid.

For his part, Al-Ka'abi said RCA's efforts in Somalia are solidly based on the strong UAE-Somali relations and RCA will spare no effort to help out Somali brothers.

H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of RCA is personally following the situation in Somalia and is giving directions to further alleviate the suffering of victims of the drought. RCA has so far provided Somalia with a total of Dh99.4 million to Somalia in food aid, development and relief projects.