JEDDAH, 6 February 2005 — More member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) have extended relief assistance to countries ravaged by the recent tsunami disaster.
The aid is still continuing to flow from member states in response to an appeal by OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The member states and OIC’s subsidiary organs have so far contributed a total of $661.7 million as relief to the affected Southeast Asian states.
“This dedicated support epitomizes the spirit of Islamic solidarity that is characteristic of the member states and the subsidiary organs that stand by the side of the sisterly world countries in times of crises,” the secretary-general said in a statement.
Kuwait has increased its total aid to $100 million, of which $70 million is for restoration of infrastructure, and $30 million for relief supplies, and financing of other necessities. Morocco has extended 27 tons of emergency relief such as medical equipment, medicines and other essential items.
Afghanistan has dispatched a 20-member medical team with medical supplies, clothing and blankets for 5,000 people. The Afghan government has also organized a blood donation campaign.
Bangladesh has sent medical and food assistance, besides medical teams, as well as vehicles and planes for the transport of relief supplies.
