The UAE backs initiatives to consolidate solidarity among humanitarian partners to alleviate the suffering of people around the world, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) stressed Wednesday.

The UAE has always been interested in supporting all efforts to unify positions and humanitarian coordination among regional and international agencies in order to provide humanitarian services that are up to the challenges victims of crises and natural disasters are facing," Sheikh Hamdan said at the opening of 39th General Assembly of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation in Dubai.

"The challenges facing national humanitarian agencies in the region are huge as a result of the rapid changes in the Arab region and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation at hot zones around the world."

"This humanitarian reality directly affects the structure, scope of work and mechanisms of our national humanitarian agencies and mandates the consolidation of partnerships among them, coordination and developing their programs in order to ensure continuity and presence in the different areas where suffering prevails as well as to achieve more cooperation among Arab humanitarian agencies," Sheikh Hamdan added in his speech.

This annual meeting of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation comes at a time when solidarity and coordination is most needed for humanitarian work where the Pan-Arab organisation is among the effective bodies.

RCA which hosted the meeting will spare no efforts to achieve the said goals and strengthen the relations for a better future for the organisation and a dignified life for beneficiaries.

WAM/AB