Jun 08th, 2009 (WAM): The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) of UAE and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) discussed today ways to enhance cooperation between them in their quest to improve standards of joint projects in helping Palestinian refugees. At a meeting held at the RCA headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed the progress of a number of ongoing projects at the refugee camps outside Palestine. UNRWA's chief Peter Ford hailed the humanitarian response of UAE and its efforts in alleviating the hardships of Palestinian refugees. He made special mention of the generous assistance of UAE as per directives from of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and support from General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Peter Ford also praised RCA's humanitarian efforts, which are closely followed up by its Chairman HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UNRWA chief underlined the need for concerted efforts to meet the reqirements of the next phase of programmes, which will create employment opportunities for displaced families in the Gaza Strip and will contribute to the reconstruction of their homes.