The officials exchange documents after signing the deal.
Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) and Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance co-operation and co-ordination in implementing various humanitarian projects in Somalia.
The MoU was signed by QRC secretary general Saleh bin Ali al-Mohannadi, in the presence of the director of administrative affairs and human resources Nayef bin Faisal al-Mohannadi and head of QRC’s office in Somalia Dr Zuhair Abdel-Qader.
Senior officials of SRCS, led by its president Dr Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, visited the country. He was joined by SRCS vice president Dr Youssef Hassan Mohamed, Somaliland co-ordinator Ahmed Bakal, and Mogadishu co-ordinator Mohamed Ahmed Adli.
Some of QRC’s humanitarian activities are being implemented in communities affected by drought and typhoons across Somalia.
“This MoU is an extension of QRC’s work in Somalia, in light of its message as an international humanitarian organisation that is an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts locally and
internationally,” said al-Mohannadi.
He stressed that they strive to protect human dignity at times of disasters or armed conflicts in compliance with the principles and rules defined by the Geneva Conventions, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and relevant national and international laws.
Dr Hassan echoed the statement of al-Mohannadi saying the MoU will help reach the biggest portion of the Somali people and improve their lives. He thanked QRC and Qatar for their efforts to aid “brothers in Somalia.”
Dr Abdel-Qader recounted that QRC started working in Somalia in 2004 and opened an office in 2006.
“Since then, it has implemented numerous relief and developmental projects in response to famines and malnutrition,” he said, adding: “The agreement is expected to augment QRC’s efforts to pursue its slogan of ‘Saving Lives and Preserving Dignity’ in favour of the Somali people, helping them overcome their
calamities.”
