Lubna Al Qasimi discusses strengthening UAE - UK cooperation

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2013 (WAM) - Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development has emphasised the importance of strengthening the UAE - UK partnership in humanitarian and development work through developing stronger coordination mechanisms between the two countries in light of the increase in the contributions they now both make towards relief operations worldwide. This was discussed during a meeting Sheikha Lubna held with Justine Greening MP, UK Secretary of State for International Development on the sidelines of the state visit to the United Kingdom that was conducted late last week by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikha Lubna pointed out that the UAE's global humanitarian and development work philosophy stems from deeply rooted principles and ideals, which were put in place by the country's wise leadership, that emphasised the importance of extending a helping hand to the world's needy. She added that this has had a positive impact on the country's ranking among the world's donor countries, placing it in the 16th international position in this regard. Sheikha Lubna also pointed out that this approach has contributed towards strengthening the spirit of giving among the members of the UAE society through the creation of a wide network of effective developmental and humanitarian institutions and organisations. For her part, Greening expressed her country's appreciation of the UAE's international efforts in humanitarian and developmental work, commending the UAE's hosting of the Global Vaccine Summit last month and its rapid response to global humanitarian emergencies, adding that the UAE - UK partnership in humanitarian work is witnessing growth. On the sidelines of the meeting, Sheikha Lubna also met with a delegation comprised of the heads and representatives of a number of British NGOs who explained the existing cooperation mechanisms between the various UK humanitarian and development NGOs and the British Department for International Development. Sheikha Lubna discussed with the British delegation the pivotal role their organisations and entities play in humanitarian and emergency relief work, pointing out the importance of strengthening their capabilities in developing countries and increasing their levels of cooperation with similar organisations in other countries and with international organisations. She referred to the successes achieved by many NGOs in providing assistance to various global crises. For its part, the delegation commended the great efforts that are exerted by the UAE and its advanced international standing in international humanitarian work. The delegation was comprised of the representatives of organisations that included the; Disasters Emergency Committee; Mercy Corps Europe; International Medical Corps; Oxfam; Save the Children; Islamic Relief; International Rescue Committee; and others. - Emirates News Agency, WAM