UAE ship with 3,000 tonnes of relief supplies reaches Beirut

The second UAE aid ship arrived at Beirut Port loaded with 3,000 tonnes of relief supplies as part of the “UAE stands with Lebanon” campaign.

The campaign was launched in early October last year as per the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with follow-up from His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the supervision of Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs’ Families Affairs, and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.

The ship was received by Dr Nasser Yassin, Head of the Government Emergencies and Minister of Environment in the Republic of Lebanon, who was accompanied by Brigadier General Bassem Nabulsi, Chairman of the Supreme Relief Authority.

The relief supplies comprised various types of food items, essentials for women and children, winter requirements and shelter equipment.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, stressed the moral commitment of the UAE towards the urgent provision to the Lebanese people affected by the conflict.

“This commitment emanates from the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in extending a helping hand to nations in distress,” he added.

He pointed to the UAE’s urgent response to the situation in Lebanon which aimed to ensure early recovery and stabilisation and was done in coordination with Lebanese government agencies and relevant international organisations.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed held a phone call with Joseph Aoun, congratulating him on his election as President of Lebanon.

Sheikh Mohamed extended his best wishes for success in leading Lebanon and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his hope to work together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations and their peoples, thereby enhancing regional security and stability.

He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting all efforts that ensure Lebanon’s security and stability and realise the aspirations of its people.

During the call, both sides agreed to take the necessary steps to reopen the UAE Embassy in Beirut.

For his part, the Lebanese President expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed for his congratulations and warm sentiments towards Lebanon and its people.

He affirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in the coming phase and commended the UAE’s support for Lebanon at all levels.

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation and exchanged views on issues of common interest.

Earlier, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, congratulated Joseph Aoun who was on Thursday elected the country’s President.

In a statement, Hennis-Plasschaert welcomed the development as a long-awaited first step towards overcoming Lebanon’s political and institutional vacuum and providing the Lebanese people with the functioning state institutions they deserve.

“A Prime Minister must be designated and a government formed without delay. The tasks ahead of the Lebanese State are too monumental to waste any more time,” she stressed.

“Now is the moment for each and every decision-maker to put the interest of Lebanon above all personal or political considerations.”

She noted that the election of a president offers renewed hope and an opportunity to pave the way for progress towards consolidating the cessation of hostilities and preserving the country’s security and stability, including by strengthening state authority across Lebanon and advancing comprehensive and sustainable reforms.

She said the UN looks forward to working with President Aoun and relevant authorities to support Lebanon as it takes meaningful and measurable steps in this direction.

WAM