Reem Al Hashimy discusses Yemen aid with UK’s Middle East minister

The UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and Britain’s James Cleverly also talked about Expo 2020 Dubai and the coronavirus

Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, and Britain’s Middle East Minister, James Cleverly, have discussed UK-UAE co-operation on humanitarian support to Yemen in a telephone call.

According to a tweet by Mr Cleverly, they also spoke about the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and other issues.

He said they discussed Ms Al Hashimy’s work on Expo 2020 Dubai, of which she is director general, and the “amazing UK pavilion there”.

Despite the event being postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, Ms Al Hashimy has remained upbeat.

“When we come together as one, humanity knows no limits. Our promise still stands – connecting minds, creating the future,” she has said.

At the Global Vaccine Summit 2020 earlier this month Ms Al Hashimy told delegates the UAE was committed to fighting Covid-19 and ensuring a healthier future.

“I reaffirm my country's commitment to freeing the next generation from disease and creating a healthier, more prosperous world for all through immunisation," she said at the time.

Last week Mr Cleverly expressed his deep concern as Covid-19 infections surged in Yemen amid the civil war and ensuing humanitarian crisis. In a virtual visit and in calls with the UN and Yemeni figures, he said there needed to be drastic action to avoid further suffering.

“This visit has allowed me to hear about the devastating impact coronavirus is already having in Yemen, and I was deeply concerned to hear that there have been over a million cases,” Mr Cleverly said last week.

“All parties to the conflict must work with the UN so there is safe access for food and medicine supplies,” he added.