Coronavirus: UAE sends 20,000 Covid-19 testing kits to Pakistan

UAE ambassador Hamad Al Zaabi says it reflects the Emirates' firm commitment to Pakistan

The UAE has dispatched 11 tonnes of medical supplies including Covid-19 test kits and protective gear to Pakistan. Courtesy: UAE Embassy in Islamabad

The UAE delivered 11 tonnes of medical supplies to Pakistan on Sunday - including thousands of Covid-19 testing kits to help curb the spread of the virus.

The plane-load of vital support reached Islamabad International Airport on an Etihad flight.

It is the second humanitarian aid flight approved to UAE authorities to boost Pakistan's fight against the pandemic.

Hamad Al Zaabi, the UAE ambassador to Pakistan, said the  mission confirmed the commitment of the UAE leadership to help stand by the people of Pakistan in exceptional circumstances.

The human element, at the core of strong bilateral relations, was the essential focus of  the UAE’s humanitarian policies, Mr Al Zaabi said.

The aid included 20,000 Covid-19 test kits, 500,000 gloves, 30,000 protective gowns and face masks and 10,000 sanitisers.

Efforts to provide support and assistance to the people of Pakistan has been part of the country’s foreign policy dating back to Sheikh Zayed, the Founding  Father, and continued during the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, Mr Al Zaabi said.

He said friendship and close links between the two countries was a key element of their partnership.

As of Monday, Pakistan had recorded close to 3,300 cases of Covid-19, with the death toll standing at 50. A total of 257 patients have made full recoveries.