Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledged vital support to Australia as massive bushfires which have left a trail of death and destruction across the country continue to rage.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said the UAE stands together with the embattled nation during a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
اطلعت من رئيس وزراء أستراليا - خلال اتصال هاتفي - على جهود مكافحة الحرائق التي تجتاح أراض واسعة من أستراليا.. وأكدت له استعداد دولة الإمارات دعم هذه الجهود وتقديم مختلف أشكال المساعدة
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 7, 2020
At least 25 people have died, millions of animals killed, thousands of home destroyed and towns evacuated as record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought fuel fires which have been burning for months.
Sheikh Mohamed discussed the ongoing crisis and offered his sympathies over the plight of the Australian people during the call.
He reaffirmed the strong ties that exist between the Emirates and Australia and vowed to deliver crucial equipment, expertise, manpower and financial aid to help combat the fires and assist the rebuilding process still to come.
Sheikh Mohamed told Mr Morrison that Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, would serve as a point of contact with the Australian government to drive forward the UAE support programme.
Etihad Airways this week announced that it will waive all flight change fees for Australian residents affected by the devastating blazes sweeping through the country.
The national carrier has pledged to work with Emirates Red Crescent to raise funds within the UAE to help support bushfire relief.
