Video: UAE sends medical aid to Pakistan, Italy to combat Covid-19 pandemic

Abu Dhabi - Tons of medical supplies to help medical professionals fight the coronavirus.

UAE sent aid flights to Italy and Pakistan to help the countries combat the coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic.

A plane carrying approximately 10 tons of medical supplies was dispatched to Italy to assist the country in its fight against Covid-19, benefitting over 10,000 healthcare professionals, Wam reported on Monday.

This initiative is part of the UAE's commitment to cooperating with countries affected by the Covid-19 outbreak in order to bolster global efforts to curb the virus' spread.

"Since its founding as a nation, the UAE has committed to extending assistance to countries and peoples in distress, and the Covid-19 crisis has affirmed the effectiveness of this approach. This is evidenced by efforts to help a number of countries to which the pandemic has spread, reflecting that the UAE humanitarian approach prioritises support for the leadership and people of countries experiencing challenges," said Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Italy.

"This aid comes within the framework of numerous other initiatives undertaken by the UAE Government to combat the spread of Covid-19. These initiatives include emergency assistance collaborations with the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the provision of aid to various countries, including China, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Seychelles to help them overcome this crisis," Al Shamsi added.

The Ambassador pointed out that UAE assistance to Italy will enable medical staff to safely perform their professional duties in combating the virus' spread.

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said that the aid granted by the UAE symbolises solidarity between the two countries and represents critical assistance to Italy's doctors, nurses, and medical staff. In the name of the Italian people, Di Maio thanked the UAE Government and people, noting that the donation would enable thousands of Italians to protect themselves and work to save the lives of others.

"We are currently experiencing a phase that can only be described as war against an invisible enemy waged by our medical personnel, and the personal protective equipment provided today by the UAE to Italy is our weapon in this battle. We consider this gesture to embody solidarity in practice and on-ground assistance. Italy will never forget the countries that supported it during this difficult period, which is not only a health crisis but an economic and community one as well," Di Maio concluded.

Aid to Pakistan

UAE also sent a second batch of aid, comprising 11 tons of medical supplies, to Pakistan to help PM Imran Khan's government fight the pandemic.

"This morning the second batch of 11 tons of medical aid supplies provided by the UAE government to brothers in Pakistan to combat the Covid-19 arrived at Islamabad Airport .. we renew commitment to stand by world against the exceptional circumstances and challenges," said Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE's Ambassador to Pakistan.

• Government
• Pakistan