ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates dispatched two cargo planes, which arrived in Tunisia on Wednesday, carrying 47 metric tons of medical supplies, including a number of respirators and oxygen cylinders, in support of Tunisia's drive to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rashid Mohammed Al Mansouri, the UAE ambassador to Tunisia, said that the UAE is closely monitoring the health situation in Tunisia, noting that this step is a continuation of the UAE's efforts to provide support to Tunisia to aid in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that this initiative is the fruit of ongoing communication between Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and Tunisian President Kais Saied, noting that the UAE will continue to monitor worldwide health developments to advance its efforts to support other nations.

Last July, the UAE sent 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Tunisia, and in November 2020, it sent approximately 11 metric tons of medical supplies and equipment at a time when the worldwide number of COVID-related cases was rapidly rising due to a lack of medical supplies around the world.

To date, the UAE has provided over 2,200 metric tons of medical supplies to more than 135 countries, demonstrating once again its solidarity with other nations in line with the UAE leadership's vision. — WAM