The UK and Kuwait have today (Wednesday 4 September) announced
new joint funding plans to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to
almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.
The funding will go towards UNICEF's efforts to restore water
supply and sanitation systems in Gaza, and to sustain primary
healthcare services in Yemen, and has been set out in two
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by both parties.
The UK and Kuwait will provide £4.5 million of joint support ($6
million in total - $3 million to each project), to UNICEF, whose
work is expected to benefit approximately 1,000,000 in Gaza and
1,450,000 people in Yemen.
Minister for the Middle East said:
“Conflict has aggravated the humanitarian crises in Gaza and
Yemen and the UK is committed to pushing for more lifesaving aid
to reach those in desperate need.
“The UK and Kuwait's joint funding towards UNICEF's lifesaving
work in Gaza and Yemen demonstrates our shared commitment to
tackle some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
“I am proud of the UK and Kuwait's close ties, which have now
endured for more than 125 years and continue to go from strength
to strength.”
Kuwait's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His
Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said:
"This year marks an important milestone for both the State of
Kuwait and the UK as we jointly commemorate 125 years of
partnership. Kuwait is proud of its deep-rooted and historic ties
with the UK and is committed to deepening this partnership in all
its aspects. This week in London, we were happy to witness the
commencement of the Kuwait cultural week in the UK and the
successful convening of the 21st session of the JSG. The Action
Plan signed during the JSG paves the way for further
collaboration in a number of fields.
“We are pleased to cooperate with the UK to support the essential
work of UNICEF in both Palestine and Yemen. As pioneers in the
field of international development, both our countries will
continue to explore avenues of cooperation to provide development
and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts
and natural disasters."
UNICEF's Representative to the Gulf Area Eltayeb Adam
said:
"UNICEF deeply appreciates the generous contributions from both
the UK and Kuwait, which will have a transformative impact on the
lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen.
“This funding is not just a financial commitment; it is a beacon
of hope for communities struggling with the devastating
consequences of conflict. Together, we can ensure that essential
services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare reach those
who need them most, restoring dignity and a sense of normalcy to
countless lives."
The 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group (JSG) was co-chaired in
London today by the UK Minister for the Middle East, , and Kuwait's Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber
Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
In the margins of the JSG, Minister Falconer and the Director
General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Waleed
Al-Bahar signed the two MoUs.
In addition, Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also reached an
agreement for planned UK support to Kuwait's Civil Service
Commission on the delivery of training programmes to Kuwaiti
Government employees, and signed an action plan detailing how
their respective Governments will drive forward cooperation on a
range of key issues such as defence and security and
international development and humanitarian partnerships, over the
coming months.
The UK and Kuwait are celebrating 125 years of official
diplomatic relations throughout 2024. Yesterday (Tuesday 3
September), Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the
headline performance of a special “Kuwait Culture Week” organised
by Kuwait's Embassy in London, titled “Rhythms of Kuwait”.
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