The UAE has extended a grant of $2 million to Costa Rica to help the Central American country battle its flooding problem, official sources have said.
The non-reimbursable grant came as Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also vice-president and prime minister of the UAE, received Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvarado Quesada in the Middle-Eastern country on the latter’s December 5-7 visit.
Quesada was joined by a delegation of Costa Rican ministers and other high-level officials, said the official sources.
During the meeting, the leaders announced the continuation of efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership to promote political dialogue, cooperation, trade, and investment, the sources said.
The leaders are also said to have discussed the recent flooding in Costa Rica, which produced severe destruction in various areas.
They noted the importance of humanitarian aid and cooperation in assisting families in need as they confront challenges posed by climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was during these discussions that the UAE announced the $2 million non-reimbursable grant to Costa Rica.
The money is expected to help the Central American nation build capacity in its National Emergency Commission to address flooding throughout the country.
This comes against the backdrop of two previous aid flights sent by the UAE to Costa Rica carrying critical medical supplies to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.
Commenting on the announcement, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy said: “The UAE stands ready to support Costa Rica by providing development assistance to build stronger and more resilient systems in responding to the devastating impact of climate change.”
She added: “As an extension of our humanitarian and developmental approach, which emphasizes the promotion of stability and prosperity, the UAE is honored to work with its international partners to support vulnerable communities in meeting their essential needs.”
Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Rodolfo Solano Quirós said about the move: “This humanitarian assistance granted by the UAE will significantly contribute to alleviating challenges faced in rural areas while supporting vaccination campaigns.”