The United Arab Emirates partnered with the Vatican Department of Education and sent 15 metric tons of medical and food supplies to the Peruvian Amazon River area through an aid plane. This is the first batch of the total 40 metric tons of aid that the UAE and the Vatican have dedicated to people in the Peruvian Amazon River region by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The joint efforts have been facilitated in view of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed by Grand Imam of Al-Azhar His Eminence Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church in Abu Dhabi in February 2019.

With this aid, both sides aim to support the city of Iquitos located in Peru's dense Amazon forest amid the global health emergency. It also facilitates the UAE's efforts in boosting the healthcare sector of Peru and other countries in a bid to combat the COVID-19 crises.

Speaking over the aid delivery, the Chargé d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Lima, Jassem Saif Al Shamsi, stated that the aid sent to Peru reflects the UAE's continued efforts to help a large number of countries to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

"The UAE leadership believes that international solidarity and the unification of efforts are an urgent necessity in the face of the most dangerous pandemic facing humanity," Al Shamsi said.

He added that the UAE stands with the people of Peru in such difficult times by contributing to the provision of supplies and food aid. He went on to say that the aid further reflects the strong ties between both countries that have been enjoying constructive cooperation and consensus at all levels for years.

As per the Vatican News, the aid consisted of essential medical supplies such as masks, medical oxygen, gloves, and food packets that will be distributed by the Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon among health professionals and citizens. As of June 16, the Peruvian Health Ministry reported more than 7,700 Coronavirus infected cases in the city.

According to the state news agency WAM, the UAE has provided over 995 metric tons of medical supplies and food aid to more than 69 countries as part of its humanitarian efforts. 

WAM