By Mubanga Mubanga
Russia’s Ambassador to Zambia Dr Azim Yarakhmedov says his country has made an additional US$2 million humanitarian aid to Zambia through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
During the official presentation at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) yesterday, Amb Yarakhmedov said
”Today, it is a great honor for me to take part on behalf of the Russian Federation and by request of its Government in the handover of a humanitarian aid consignment to Zambia
to the amount of 2 million US dollars provided as an additional contribution of the Russian Federation to the United Nations World Food Programme,” Dr Yarakhmedov said. “This contribution would support Zambian efforts to overcome the effects of the severe drought and to mitigate its impact on the food security of the country.”
Dr Yarakhmedov described Zambia and Russia’s friendship as time proven and based on mutual respect, trust and genuine partnership.
”Russia fully understands the scale of the challenges associated with climate change and natural disasters, which in recent years have severely affected the countries of Southern Africa. In this regard, the Russian Federation considers it as its duty to support friendly states that face threats to their food security,” Dr Yarakhmedov said. “Today’s delivery is a clear demonstration that humanitarian cooperation occupies a special place in the relations between our two countries. We firmly believe that timely food assistance, including the one that aimed at mitigation of the consequences of the drought, contributes to strengthening of the social stability.”
Dr Yarakhmedov said Russia would continue to support Zambia in its efforts to enhance food security, to work together with international institutions, and to strengthen the two countries bilateral partnership.
”Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the United Nations World Food Programme and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit for their professionalism, good coordination, and for ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it the most,” said Dr Yarakhmedov. “Dear friends, may this humanitarian aid serve as yet another step towards deeper cooperation between our countries – a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and our shared responsibility to future generations.”
