An Omani journalist has praised Kuwait's humanitarian initiatives as the Gulf nation prepares itself to host a third set of international aid-pledging talks on March 31.
Awadh bin Saeed, President of the Omani Journalists' Association, said that as the event comes at the behest of the UN, this illustrates the position of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a "Humanitarian Leader." The title bestowed upon His Highness the Amir by the UN is a reflection of these efforts, and Kuwait is carrying out a huge role in ensuring that the international community does not neglect the grave tragedy, he added.
Bin Saeed went on to praise Kuwait for its hosting of two editions of the events in 2013 and 2014, which together managed to raise pledges worth a total USD 3.9 billion - USD 1.5 billion and USD 2.4 billion respectively - from international donors.
He also praised contributions to the cause through its grants to UN agencies catering to the needs of the refugees, which he described as "exceptional." Kuwait donated a collective USD 800 million, including USD 300 million and USD 500 million over both events.
Some 12.5 million Syrians have been displaced internally and across neighbouring countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, raq and Egypt, due to the conflict in their country that has entered a fifth year.