Twitter: @edd1819, Instagram: @bluestar0910, Facebook: SDN — Science, Digital & Current Affairs
By EDD K. USMAN
(SDN) — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is committed in its relations with the Philippines, including in extending assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Hamad Saeed O. Al-Zaabi made this assurance in the light of the Emirates’ sending a plane with seven metric tons of medical supplies.
The Philippines and the UAE are among the more than 180 countries and regions battling the novel coronavirus contagion widely believed to have originated in Wuhan City, in China’s Hubei Province.
“Through the provision of critical medical aid, the UAE affirms its commitment to offering a helping hand to the Philippines.
“Our two countries share a deep partnership between our governments and peoples, and it is our since hope that such assistance enables the Philippines to take the necessary action to defend itself against Covid-19,” Al-Zaabi said as quoted by Gulf News.
He was referring to the medical assistance expected to equip around 7,000 medical professionals as they attempt to stop the spread of the virus.
“The UAE stands in solidarity with all nations working to contain and confront the Covid-19 pandemic,” the UAE’s top diplomat in Manila added.
Gulf News said the Emirates has already sent over 334 metric tons of aid to 32 countries in support to around 334,000 medical professionals.
In article on Manila Times written by Javier “Jojo” Ismael, the Philippine government expressed its thanks to the Emirates for the medical aid.
The assistance arrived in Manila on April 29 transported by an Etihad Airlines special flight.
“This medical assistance in the time of Covid-19 is only the latest of numerous instances in which the UAE has come to the aid of the Filipino people,” Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjacyleen Quintana pointed out.
She said the Emirates in November 2013 donated US$10 million for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
More recently, the Emirates Red Crescent helped the Philippine Embassy in the UAE get assistance for 200,000 displaced families because of the eruption of Taal Volcano.
In Case Bulletin #051 of the Department of Health (DOH) as of 4 p.m., May 4, the DOH has registered 262 new cases, bringing the known total to 9,485; a total of 1,315 recovered patients (101 new ones); and 623 fatalities (16 new deaths).
Worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) of the United States, total known confirmed cases climbed to 3,519,901; 1,129,834 recoveries; and 247,630 fatalities.
The US now has 1,158,041 Covid-19 cases, the most globally. (SDN)
Burj Khalifa photo source: Pixabay.