KUWAIT/BEIRUT: Lebanon received on Wednesday the first batch of aid from abroad which is a shipment of medical supplies provided by Kuwait and transported through a plane belonging to Kuwait Air Force. In a statement to KUNA, the advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Health Dr Hussein Muhaidly, on behalf of the minister, offered thanks and gratitude to the Kuwait government and people for this humanitarian gesture, clarifying that it's not strange for Kuwait to always be the first in offering help and standing besides Lebanon.

Muhaidly stressed the strength of relations between the Kuwaiti and Lebanese peoples, hoping that the coming days will bear all the good for the two brotherly countries. Assistant command of Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base Lt Col Abdulaziz Al-Loghani said in a similar statement that Kuwaiti assistance includes medical beds, wheelchairs, respirators, medications, dressings and masks. He expressed sorrow over the "tragic accident that afflicted sisterly Lebanon", offering his condolences to the Lebanese people.

KRCS sends relief aid
Yesterday, a plane carrying 36 tons of relief material took off from Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base for Beirut as part of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society's (KRCS) efforts to help Lebanon overcome the aftermath of blast in the capital city's port. The relief materials included medicines, wheelchairs, children's milk and blood bags. In a statement to KUNA, Chairman of KRCS Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said this effort was carried out in line with the directives of HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

He explained KRCS's team will enhance its field presence in Lebanon to oversee the distribution of medical and relief materials in cooperation with the Kuwaiti embassy in Lebanon and the Lebanese Red Cross, meet the needs of those affected and help their efforts in these extraordinary circumstances. In his statement, he explained that KRCS will coordinate with the Lebanese Red Cross to deliver medicines to hospitals urgently, noting that volunteers from KRCS are ready to distribute medical and relief material to affected people.

In this regard, Dr Sayer expressed his thanks to the Kuwaiti ministries of defense and interior for contributing to the success of the humanitarian mission. He affirmed KRCS' keenness to participate in the humanitarian mission undertaken by Kuwait in light of the directives of HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to provide the necessary support and assistance to those affected by the explosion in Beirut Port.

He explained that the society's efforts in Lebanon are a duty towards the Lebanese people, expressing his wishes that this assistance will contribute to alleviating the suffering of those affected by the recent events. Sayer offered his deepest condolences to the victims of the explosions and wishes for the safety and speedy recovery of the wounded.

Donation campaign
KRCS announced Wednesday that it organized a donation campaign through its official website for the benefit of the brotherly Lebanese people. Sayer said in a statement to KUNA that preparations are underway to mark the launch of the first air bridge planes to transport medical and humanitarian aid to Lebanon, which is in urgent need for medical supplies.

Sayer said the donation campaign on KRCS' website will contribute to providing medicines, wheelchairs, infant formula and medical supplies. He stressed that the campaign came out of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent's sense of responsibility towards the brotherly Lebanese people, expressing deep thanks to donors who support the efforts of the humanitarian society.

Sayer indicated that a team of volunteers will go to Lebanon to determine the necessary needs and provide all capabilities in cooperation with the embassy of Kuwait in Beirut and the Lebanese Red Cross. He explained that KRCS is one of the "most capable agencies" to deliver relief assistance to the afflicted, due to the high experience and continuous work of its personnel in the humanitarian field, which has gained it the competence and ability to intervene quickly and effectively organize the crisis management.

He called on citizens, residents, businessmen and the private sector to make a donation to support the Lebanese people and return smiles to their children again. Dr Sayer stressed that the government and people of Kuwait stand with the Lebanese people in such difficult situations, praising the efforts being made to support them.