Ibrahim Abdullah al-Malki, CEO of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), has met with Barnabas Fodor, Hungary's ambassador to Qatar. The meeting was attended by Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, director of Relief and International Development at QRCS, and Viktor Herold, commercial attache at the Hungarian embassy.
Welcomed by al-Malki, the guests discussed the ongoing Covid-19 control efforts in the two countries, especially with the advent of the winter, which increases the risk of infection. The ambassador said he looked forward to co-operation and exchange of experience with QRCS in humanitarian action, particularly water and sanitation. He talked about ‘water diplomacy’ as a means of ensuring pure water accessibility for underserved local communities, with a special focus on rural areas.
The meeting also discussed potential co-operation in procuring artificial ventilators and other vital medical equipment for critical coronavirus confirmed cases in poor countries. Al-Malki offered to consider project proposals, in co-ordination with the humanitarian work supervisory authorities.
Al-Emadi said, “The strategy of QRCS in foreign humanitarian operations is to utilise international transportation supply chains to deliver humanitarian cargo directly to the target locations. This helps reduce costs and logistics. At the same time, we make sure that the procured relief aid, such as food items and emergency shelter tents, are of good quality and comply with internationally recognised standards."
QRCS, al-Maliki noted, enjoys extensive humanitarian experience of working in refugee camps through its 19 foreign representation missions and solid relations with host national societies and competent authorities. He saw this visit as a first step towards stronger ties with the Hungarian Red Cross. “We can work together in the countries where both of us operate,” said al-Malki. “We have a perfect example of successful partnership with the Turkish Red Crescent. Also, the humanitarians and volunteers of the Hungarian Red Cross can be trained at our Disaster Management Camp."
Both sides welcomed a draft framework memorandum of understanding to establish co-operation in various areas of relief and development, in light of the great importance attached by Qatar and Hungary to humanitarian action all over the world.
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