(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
KUWAIT, June 15 (KUNA) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that the opening of a new headquarters in Kuwait would serve as a launchpad for better cooperation, with the host country hailing the move as a significant development.
Kuwait has been among WHO's "trusted partners" in the fight against the COVID pandemic, its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said amid a lavish ceremony to inaugurate the office, where he was joined by Kuwait's Health Minister Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah and a number of diplomats.
Kuwait's relationship with the global health body is "dotted with highlights and accomplishments," said the minister, adding that the office is "part and parcel" of a national development plan that largely revolves around healthcare.
"No words can adequately describe Foreign Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah's immense contributions towards this initiative," he said, at a time where the pandemic has strained healthcare systems the world over.
The success of any nation's development plan hinges on how adept its healthcare system is, the minister explained, terming the sector as the "focal point of national development."
The office represents a "hallmark" of Kuwait's storied relationship with WHO, which has "grown stronger" in the face of adversity, said Tarek El Sheikh, the UN's Secretary General Representative and Resident Coordinator to the country.
He acknowledged Kuwait's "life-saving support" given to millions around the globe, ranging from victims of conflicts to natural disasters, all of whom were the ultimate beneficiaries of crucial aid that helped them withstand such distress.
Similarly, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said better ties with Kuwait has been among his "core objectives," describing the country as one of the health body's most "historic partners."
"The office will be instrumental in pushing our common agendas of providing indispensable healthcare to everybody in the Middle East region," he added.
WHO has more than a dozen offices around the region, all of which play an integral role in supporting its global mission, covering areas from public relations to business management. (end)
ak.mrf.nam
MENAFN15062021000071011013ID1102282714
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.