QRCS strengthens ties with ICRC

Doha: Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi met yesterday a high-profile delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), comprising Omar Odeh, Head of ICRC Regional Delegation; Mohamed Abbas, Cooperation Coordinator; and Cherine Pollini, Head of ICRC Mission in Qatar.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of International Relations and International Humanitarian Law, and Adel Al Baker, Director of the Office of QRCS President.

They discussed the health and development operations of QRCS, especially in relation to the global campaign to secure vaccine access for poor countries. This issue was given much importance, particularly in war zones like Yemen.

Talks involved a renewal of the bilateral logistic agreement in Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and other countries. A new uniform channel was revealed to support the movement partners, which will ensure stronger communication with QRCS’s representation office in Afghanistan and Doha headquarters.

The guests thanked Qatar for its active humanitarian role and looked forward to advancing relations in disaster management in light of QRCS’s extensive experience in this area. They welcomed potential suggestions to be considered and facilitations for joint field work.

QRCS’s leaders were invited to visit ICRC’s headquarters in Geneva in order to launch an annual strategic dialogue and what is to be done in the future. Al Hammadi emphasised the commitment to serve humanity everywhere and commended the role of ICRC’s permanent office in Doha.

Odeh expressed his sorrow on the tragic bombing of QRC’s office in Gaza. 

Then, it was agreed to begin to work on a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) as a framework of cooperation that will address armed conflict on a wider basis.