Egypt sends 10th relief plane to Lebanon after deadly explosion

CAIRO – 20 August 2020:  Beirut Airport received Wednesday a military plane carrying 38 tons of relief and food aid, including 5 tons coming from Egypt.

This is considered the 10th plane sent as part of the relief air bridge Egypt launched in the wake of the massive Beirut port explosion. A total of 11 Egyptian institutes, including official and civil society associations, are providing the Lebanese people with assistance.

Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Yasser Elwi said that Egypt had previously sent aid planes to Lebanon, including one that transported 21 doctors, medical equipment, and necessary materials. He explained that this medical team is stationed at Beirut Arab University, which Egypt established in Lebanon 60 years ago.

The Egyptian airlift to Lebanon will continue to provide aid until August 26. Egypt is also ready to contribute to the reconstruction of the main ports in Lebanon after a total of 250,000 housing units were hit by the explosion.

Among the officials who received the 10th aid plane in Beirut was the head of the Lebanese-Egyptian Business Council Rabea Hassouna, who ensured the importance of the Egyptian assistance to Lebanon in order to overcome the ordeal of the devastating explosion.

In his comments, Hassouna appreciated President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s keenness to provide all aspects of support to the Lebanese people, and commended his initiative to establish a relief air bridge between Cairo and Beirut.

“These actions reveal an Arab leader who believes in the essence of Arab solidarity, and is keen on the bonds of brotherhood and love between Arab peoples,” Hassouna added referring to President Sisi.