LOC12:17
09:17 GMT
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Australia Najeeb Al-Bader forwarded the donate to Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Vanuatu Evaristo Chalet during their meeting
KUWAIT, Aug 24 (KUNA) -- Kuwait announced a donation of USD 500,000 as aid to Vanuatu to face the wide damage caused by tropical cyclone 'Hola' and volcanic activities last March.
In a statement received by KUNA on Friday, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Australia Najeeb Al-Bader forwarded the decision to donate to Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Vanuatu Evaristo Chalet during their meeting.
The Ambassador noted that the decision of the Kuwaiti government comes in response to the emergency appeal launched by the Republic of Vanuatu and its humanitarian action plan to respond to these two natural catastrophes in the Island of Ambae.
The plan included an appeal for financial and in-kind aid from the international community to provide humanitarian assistance, including food and agricultural security, shelter, water, sanitation, logistics and protection for children and women.
Ambassador Al-Bader added that this new assistance emphasizes the humanitarian role played by the State of Kuwait on an international level and reflects its response to countries stricken by catastrophes.
Al-Bader also said that they have discussed a number of proposed development projects during the meeting, which will be funded directly from the Kuwaiti financial aid.
The projects will contribute towards the reconstruction of educational and health infrastructure and the re-establishment of basic services in the areas affected by these disasters, especially as the volcanic activities on Ambae resulted in the evacuation of nearly 11,000 people.
On his part, Chalet stressed his country's great appreciation of Kuwait's contribution, which will further enhance the strong friendship between the two countries.
He also confirmed his country's intention to name the projects after of the State of Kuwait in recognition of the prominent role of the Kuwaiti leadership, government and people, as it continues to finance a number of development projects in the world, particularly in his country.
He added that Kuwait provided last year a financial contribution for the construction of two educational projects with a total value of about USD 509,335. He noted that Kuwait is the first country in the Middle East to build educational institutions in his country. (end)
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