Lubna Al Qasimi discusses refugees Issues with American officials

Abu Dhabi, May 27, 2013 (WAM) - Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, has held a meeting with American officials during which she discussed the issues of refugees in the world, especially the Syrian refugee crisis and the UAE's contributions in this regard. In addition, discussions included updates of international developments, the role of women, and the prominent status that the UAE has achieved. The discussions came during Sheikha Lubna's meeting with Charles Collyns, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the U.S. Treasury Department on the margin of Sheikha Lubna's participation in the World Economic Forum which opened yesterday in Jordan. Sheikha Lubna asserted that the UAE's building of Mreijib Al Fuhoud Camp, in cooperation with the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, was based on the directions of the UAE's wise leadership, and is part of its strategy to alleviate the suffering of affected people in humanitarian crises. Also, she cited the UAE's keenness to build the camp according to best international practices under the full supervision and auspices of the United Arab Emirates and the UAE Red Crescent Authority, in partnership with the Government of Jordan, in addition to many other international organisations and entities. Sheikha Lubna briefed Collyns on the work flow in the UAE-Jordanian Field Hospital, as the hospital treats from 600 to 800 of Syrian refugees daily. In a related context, Sheikha Lubna also met with the US Chief Economist, Heidi Crebo-Rediker, where they discussed ways of supporting the humanitarian and international developments, the provision of assistance to poor countries, the response to diverse crises and disasters, the role of international and humanitarian organisations, and UAE-USA efforts in this regard. Additionally, the discussion explored the role of women and the prominent achievements that the UAE has made in this regard. Sheikha Lubna affirmed that this status came with the sustainable and firm support of the UAE's wise leadership to empower women, and increase their innovative contributions in the economic and civilised development being witnessed by the UAE. At the end of the meetings, both American officials extended their thanks to the UAE and its wise leadership for supporting the Syrian refugees. Expressing the appreciation of the United States for the role played by the Emirates and for the prominent efforts and achievements on the development level. Both meetings were attended by Dr. Abdullah Nasser Sultan Al-Amri, UAE Ambassador to Jordan. – Emirates News Agency, WAM