The Qatar Fund for Development and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic cooperation in the field of international development and humanitarian aid, on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, which began today at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The memorandum will focus on addressing pressing issues, which represent a common interest of both institutions, such as climate change, food security, and ensuring quality education for all, with a focus on women and girls. It will also focus on other priority sectors such as the Horn of Africa, as well as development and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, and the humanitarian response to regional crises such as Yemen and Syria. The memorandum is based on the results of the inaugural strategic dialogue between the United Kingdom and Qatar, which was held in London on February 20. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, Director General of the Fund, said: "We realize the importance of improving developmental and humanitarian fields globally, where there is a constant need for that. Crises such as wars, diseases and natural disasters leave people facing a painful reality without solutions, and in suffering they face constant difficulties such as poverty, hunger and violence.". He added, “We are cooperating today with the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, mobilizing efforts to bring about change and improve humanity through quality projects that seek concrete and effective solutions.”". For his part, HE Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State at the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said: "The UK and Qatar are both important players in the humanitarian and development field, and the memorandum indicates our determination to join forces in areas of overlapping interests.". He added: Together, we can build on our existing partnerships in Somalia and Syria, and move forward towards more joint programmes".
Qatar: Qatar Fund for Development cooperates with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office to support international development and humanitarian aid
