The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has ordered two emergency humanitarian relief flights to support civilians fleeing the crisis in Ukraine, even as the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow.
The two flights transporting essential relief departed from the Dubai and Sharjah airports. The transportation of the relief material was facilitated by the International Humanitarian City in Dubai (IHC).
Emirates Airline provided its Boeing 777-ER Cargo plane for the first aid and relief shipment that departed from Dubai for Warsaw in Poland. This aid is expected to support around 50,000 beneficiaries.
The second flight operated by Aramex Airline B747F Cargo departed from Sharjah airport for Liege in Belgium carrying an aid consignment from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The aid material is expected to benefit an additional 35,000 people.
The latest aid comes in addition to the aircraft dispatched by the UAE on 7 March as part of its emergency relief efforts to assist civilians in Ukraine.
UAE, Russia Foreign Ministers meet in Moscow
Meanwhile, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow.
The two officials discussed regional and international developments, issues of common concern, and efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the urgent need to reach a peaceful settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He added that the UAE is ready to support all efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis, including a ceasefire.
The UAE Foreign Minister also underlined the importance of maintaining sustainable regional and international peace, security, and stability, reiterating that the UAE is committed to constructive diplomacy aimed at de-escalation.
Sheikh Abdullah also expressed the UAE’s deep concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians.
He addressed possible mechanisms to alleviate civilian suffering and underscored the importance of ensuring the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and relief in line with international humanitarian law.
Sheikh Adbullah also highlighted the role of the United Nations in this regard and reiterated the UAE’s support for its humanitarian work.
The UAE’s aid for Ukrainian civilians was transported as part of the collective efforts of UN organisations such as the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), the International Medical Corps (IMC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), among other aid organisations.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and the Russian Foreign Minister also discussed the stability of global energy and commodities markets, including the global grain supply.
Oil rises above $100 due to doubts over Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Oil extended gains after the biggest daily surge in 16 months pushed prices back above $100 a barrel, as Russia cast doubts on the progress of its peace talks with Ukraine. Futures rose to trade near $106 a barrel.
“Global benchmark Brent has swung by more than $5 a barrel for 16 consecutive sessions – the longest run of such volatility ever,” Bloomberg reported.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fanned inflation, providing a challenge to central banks and governments as they seek to encourage economic growth after the pandemic.
The US Federal Reserve this week raised interest rates and signaled further hikes to tackle the fastest price gains in four decades.
Experts have spoken to Arabian Business on the UAE Central Bank’s move to raise the base rate, which is anchored to the US Federal Reserve’s interest on reserve balances (IORB), stating that it could impact mortgage rates and the real estate market, while increasing profitability for banks and lenders.
Follow us on
