FM of Brazil extends gratitude to UAE for delivering urgent relief aid for flood victims

Heavy rains have battered Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, since late last month, triggering historic floods that have killed more than 150 people, while nearly 100 residents are still missing and over 500,000 have been displaced, as per Reuters.

The intensified floods have been making headlines across the globe, highlighting the enormous impact of climate change on natural cycles. People have been joining hands to help the scores of flood victims in Brazil, accompanied by the Emirates.

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received a phone call on May 16 from HE Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil. During the call, he expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the people of Brazil, wishing for a speedy recovery.

UAE flies relief plane for Brazil flood victims

President Mohamed bin Zayed instructed the dispatch of urgent relief supplies from the UAE to support those impacted by the flooding and heavy rains in Brazil, underscoring the Gulf state’s prominent history of helping people in need irrespective of their religion or region.

In response, the President of Brazil expressed his gratitude to his UAE counterpart. The leaders also discussed strengthening UAE-Brazil cooperation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of economy, technology, food security and development.

On May 18, the Emirates sent the first relief plane carrying 100 tonnes of food, medical and relief supplies. The UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation indicated that a couple more aircraft are scheduled to be sent over the next 2 days carrying more aid.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy said the UAE’s robust monitoring systems track several natural disasters, including floods and their aftermath. When these disasters trigger damage, the UAE is quick to provide urgent humanitarian relief through its foreign assistance programmes.

Brazil FM thanks UAE for humanitarian efforts

UAE’s Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, held a telephonic conversation on May 19, discussing bilateral relations and methods to advance cooperation as both countries share strong strategic partnership.

The UAE Top Diplomat reaffirmed his country’s unflinching solidarity with Brazil in the face of the recent Rio Grande do Sul floods, expressing his hope for a speedy recovery for the victims and continued safety and prosperity for the people of Brazil.

For his part, Vieira expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Emirates and its leadership for its noble humanitarian initiatives and its support for those affected by the intensified precipitation, reported the Emirates News Agency.