The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent an Etihad Airways flight carrying a donation of eight metric tons of medical supplies to assist in Cuba’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aid package will assist approximately 8,000 medical professionals of Cuba’s national health system as they work to contain the virus.
Bader Abdulla Saeed Almatroshi, the UAE Ambassador to Cuba, said, “The UAE and Cuba have forged strong ties in recent years in a show of cooperation that is helping both of our countries overcome the COVID-19 crisis. With today’s delivery of aid, the UAE leadership is sending a message of support and solidarity to Cuba and its front line workers, many of whom have gone on to volunteer to battle the virus in other countries with immense courage and resolve.”
Over the past five years, UAE assistance to Cuba has amounted to more than $12 million.
The Cuban government held a special ceremony with the Emirates to express its gratitude for the donation from the UAE.
According to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, the UAE has demonstrated immense global social responsibility by donating more than 708 metric tons of aid to 62 countries in need, supporting more than 708,000 medical professionals responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.