Syrian Ambassador values UAE’s immediate response to help earthquake victims

ABU DHABI:  Dr. Ghassan Abbas, the Ambassador of Syria to the UAE, has said that the UAE’s humanitarian efforts to provide relief to those affected by the recent earthquake that struck his country have the greatest impact in alleviating the sufferings of the people.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Abbas said that since this humanitarian disaster unfolded, the UAE was one of the first countries to respond immediately to the Syrian humanitarian appeal for emergency assistance to the victims of the earthquake that left thousands dead and injured, in addition to the massive material damage.

He added that the UAE is continuing to provide support and aid to those affected, especially the families. So far, dozens of UAE aid planes have arrived in Syria, carrying more than 1,243 tonnes of food, medical and other essential supplies.

Abbas said, “We extend our gratitude to the leadership and government of the UAE and the Emirati people for their noble gesture and standing by the Syrian people in these difficult circumstances. The UAE’s great humanitarian solidarity with Syria embodies the great values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and followed by the UAE leaders, in the framework of the brotherly bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said, “We in Syria, the government and the people, highly appreciate the UAE’s standing by our side in the difficult circumstances. We also value the fraternal visit of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as it is a clear embodiment of the UAE’s humanitarian message that statesmen stand up to the disasters to care about people and help the needy and the distressed, regardless of race, colour, gender or religion.”

He praised the efforts of the Emirati rescue team that has been working alongside the civil defence forces and rescue teams from brotherly and friendly countries that arrived in Syria as soon as the disaster struck. They all have been working very hard under very difficult climatic conditions, Abbas pointed out.