Rio Grande do Sul floods: UAE organisess humanitarian initiative to address impact of Brazil floods
The UAE launched a humanitarian initiative on May 22 under the theme “Support the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul” in an effort to address the impact of recent devastating floods. The natural disaster in Brazil has been making headlines globally since last month.
The initiative seeks to collect relief packages including food supplies and essential items for those affected. It involves the participation of around 300 volunteers at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, according to official media reports.
The humanitarian initiative involves the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Islamic A Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, Expo City Dubai, ‘Day for Dubai’ volunteer programme and members of the Brazilian community in the Emirates.
UAE’s history of providing rapid responses to disasters
The move reflects the deep-rooted strategic partnership shared by the UAE and Brazil. It highlights the UAE’s history of providing rapid responses to natural disasters and people affected by them, irrespective of their region or religion.
In the past couple of days, aircraft transporting 200 tonnes of food and medical supplies, solar lighting equipment and electric generators have been dispatched to Brazil, according to Sultan Al Shamsi, the official Emirates News Agency reported on May 22.
The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations noted that launching the humanitarian campaign demonstrates the UAE’s continuous endeavours in providing relief to those affected in Brazil floods.
For his part, Sidney Leon Romeiro, the ambassador of Brazil to the UAE, extended heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Brazil to the Emirati government and people for their generous humanitarian donation in times of crisis.
“This demonstration of empathy, initiated by [UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed], comes at a crucial moment where the flood starts to recede and reveals the amplitude of the devstation and the severe hardships ahead.”
UAE President, Brazilian counterpart hold high-profile call
His Highness received a call on May 16 from his Brazilian counterpart HE Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to President Lula and the people of Brazil, wishing a quick recovery to those injured.
The UAE president instructed the dispatch of urgent relief supplies to support those impacted by the devastating Brazil floods. In response, His Excellency thanked his UAE counterpart and expressed his appreciation for the kind sentiments.
The leaders also discussed various aspects of UAE-Brazil cooperation and collaboration, especially in the fields of economy, technology, clean energy and food security. They also discussed regional and international issues.
