Indonesia Donates Two Ambulances to Egypt

Jakarta, (Antara) - Indonesia, through its ambassador to Egypt Helmy Fauzi, donated two ambulances to the Egyptian Red Crescent in Cairo on Thursday.

According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo made available to Antara here on Friday, the ambulances were donated by the Indonesian people through the National Humanitarian Foundation and Zakat Institute (PKPU) and the Indonesian Red Crescent.

It said the Indonesian ambassador had officially handed over the two ambulances to Egyptian Red Crescent Secretary General Moamena Kamel.

Fauzi believes that this form of assistance is a testament to the close historical ties between the two countries since Indonesia had not yet gained freedom, and Egypt was the first country to have recognized its independence.

"The grant is part of the expression of love of the Indonesians for the Egyptian people. The Indonesian people will help those in need regardless of their religious background, nationality, and race. Egypt is a country that had become a friend since Indonesia gained independence," Helmy stated.

Meanwhile, Kamel lauded the constant support offered by the Indonesian people to Egypt. In addition to the ambulances, the Indonesian community in Egypt has also routinely organized blood donation programs for the Egyptian people through the Egyptian Red Crescent.

"We hope that the sound relations between both countries will continue to progress, manifested by the exchange of expertise on risk mitigation where Indonesia has significant experience, among other things," Kamel affirmed.

Both ambulances are intended to be used in medical and humanitarian missions in the Egyptian Red Crescent's working areas in the provinces of Gharbeya and Beheira.

He stated that the aid, in the form of ambulances, provided by the Indonesian people will have a major impact on improving health services, especially at the hospitals in Gharbeya.(*)