UAE President receives phone call from UN Secretary-GeneralANNEN VISITS THE ORDER OF MALTA LEBANON: FINDING TOGETHER THE MEANS TO RESPOND TO AN EXTRAORDINARY CRISIS

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call today from His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The call covered various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and the United Nations, particularly in supporting the UN's humanitarian efforts across the world.His Highness and Mr Guterres discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, with a focus on the situation in the Middle East and developments in the Gaza Strip. Both sides emphasised the need for joint international action to bring about an immediate ceasefire, protect civilian lives and ensure the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid. The call also covered efforts to prevent an escalation of regional instability and pursue a path towards peace via a two-state solution, seen as key to fostering stability, progress and prosperity for the countries and people of the region.During the call, His Highness reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting the United Nations' humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, emphasising the goal of alleviating the suffering of its residents and addressing their pressing needs amidst challenging conditions. The UAE President noted the importance of determined international action to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.Secretary-General Guterres expressed his appreciation for the UAE's steadfast support for the UN's humanitarian role in Gaza. The two sides also emphasised the importance of supporting the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the need to work together during this difficult period that the Palestinian people are going through.Source: Emirates News AgencyIn the face of numerous challenges over the past four years, the Order of Malta Lebanon has found unwavering support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Committed to sustainable programs, the BMZ has played a pivotal role in aiding vulnerable populations in Lebanon since the start of the crisis.During their very brief visit to Lebanon, Mr. Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary, Ms. Annette Chammas, Head of the 'Middle East II' Division and their delegation from the BMZ and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Lebanon, were warmly welcomed at the Order of Malta Lebanon's St. John the Baptist Center in Ain El Remmaneh.They were received by Mr. Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (also known as the Order of Malta Lebanon), Mr. François Abi Saab, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Lebanon , Mr. Rdiger Krse, former member of the German parliament and currently Chargé de Mis sion 'Ahead' for the Order of Malta Lebanon, as well as members of the association's executive board, teams from the headquarters and the center.This visit underscored the shared philosophy of both institutions, which is to provide essential services during an extraordinary crisis, transcending political and religious affiliations of vulnerable people.The support from the BMZ has been instrumental in helping the Order of Malta Lebanon navigate one of the most severe economic and financial crises that have affected the country and all of its social components. This assistance has not only enhanced the organization's services but has also expanded its outreach to the most vulnerable individuals, with no distinction, across all the Lebanese territory.The BMZ's support to the Order of Malta Lebanon, through its partner Malteser International, has been focused on rebuilding and strengthening the structures of the Community Health Centers offering primary healthcare services. It has also contributed to the ex pansion of medical services adding secondary and tertiary referrals, the systematization and quality improvement of these services, as well as support for social assistance activities, particularly for the most marginalized individuals in society suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities.Moreover, two Mobile Community Kitchens, known as 'The Sharing Wheel' have been launched to address the wave of malnutrition affecting mostly children and the elderly.During his address, Mr. Annen highlighted the Agro-Humanitarian Pillar, launched by the Order of Malta Lebanon and actively supported, among others, by the BMZ. He expressed his admiration for the nationwide deployment of the Agro-Humanitarian Centers to support small and medium-sized farmers, aligning humanitarian efforts with sustainable agricultural development.This multifaceted approach contributes significantly to the overall well-being and resilience of communities, laying the groundwork of a new approach to health and agriculture, to better , and sustainably serve the hard-hit population of Lebanon, thus, becoming a new source of hope.Source: National News Agency - Lebanon