International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Praises Kuwait's Humanitarian Efforts, Discusses Strengthening Cooperation with Kuwaiti Red Crescent

Kuwait City, Salman Al-Mutairi – The Deputy Regional Director and Chargé d’Affaires for the Middle East and North Africa region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Christian Cortes, affirmed the Federation’s readiness to provide logistical and technical support and to enhance the exchange of expertise with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), thereby contributing to the development of field operations and improving the effectiveness of humanitarian response.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following a virtual meeting with Khalid Al-Mughams, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Cortes stated that the International Federation is keen on strengthening its ties with the Society and exploring opportunities to launch joint humanitarian initiatives. He praised the role played by the Society and its continuous efforts in supporting those affected by crises and disasters around the world.

He added that the discussions covered ways to develop the capacities of volunteers and humanitarian workers through training and qualification programs, as well as the exchange of expertise and technical knowledge, thereby enhancing their readiness and improving their performance in handling emergencies and growing humanitarian needs. Cortes emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership with the Society and expanding areas of joint coordination between the two parties in humanitarian and relief operations and capacity building, which would contribute to developing crisis and disaster response mechanisms and achieving shared humanitarian goals.

For his part, Al-Mughams, in a similar statement to KUNA, affirmed the Society’s commitment to broadening cooperation horizons with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and enhancing strategic partnership in humanitarian and relief work, particularly in developing and qualifying volunteers to keep pace with the increasing demands of humanitarian action.

Al-Mughams said that the Society attaches great importance to strengthening its partnerships with international humanitarian organizations, foremost among them the International Federation, given the significance of unifying efforts, exchanging expertise, and expanding the scope of response to humanitarian needs in affected areas. He praised the role played by the International Federation in coordinating humanitarian aid and supporting relief and development programs and projects in countries facing crises, while expressing the Society’s aspiration to develop joint cooperation and benefit from international expertise to enhance the efficiency of humanitarian work.

He added that volunteers represent the cornerstone of humanitarian action and the field arm for implementing relief initiatives and reaching the most vulnerable groups, which necessitates continued investment in their training, qualification, and equipping them with the necessary skills to deal with various crises and disasters.

Al-Mughams clarified that the meeting addressed ways to enhance joint coordination, develop cooperation mechanisms, and open continuous communication channels between the two parties, thereby contributing to the exchange of information and expertise, raising readiness levels, and improving the effectiveness of humanitarian response.

He noted that the Society presented its key humanitarian, relief, and development efforts in several countries, along with its upcoming plans and initiatives to support those affected by crises and disasters, reaffirming the Society’s continued commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian mission and strengthening its international partnerships to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

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