In implementation of the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, two aircraft of the Qatar Amiri Air Force landed in Beirut today, carrying two fully equipped field hospitals, with 500-bed capacity each, for the areas of Tyre and Tripoli, to assist the Lebanese authorities in containing the spread of COVID-19.

The two aircraft were received at Rafic Hariri International Airport by HE Minister of Public Health in the Lebanese Caretaker Government Dr. Hamad Hassan, and Lebanon's High Relief Commission Secretary General, Major General Mohammed Kheir.

In remarks following the landing of the aircraft, HE Dr. Hamad Hassan extended thanks to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the Qatari people for the assistance and this humanitarian initiative.

At the time of despair and discouragement caused by the successive crises in Lebanon, the news of the human initiative of the Qatari brothers came as a blessing to the Lebanese people, said HE the Minister, pointing out that the State of Qatar had earlier offered two field hospitals for Al Roum and Al Geitawi hospitals.

For his part, Major General Mohammed Kheir expressed thanks to the State of Qatar for the generous assistance, lauding the depth of the two countries' relations.

Meanwhile, Acting Charge d'Affaires in the Qatari Embassy in Beirut Ali Mohamed Al Mutawaa noted the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Qatar and Lebanon, explaining that the two hospitals were fully equipped to serve areas of Tyre to the south and Tripoli to the north. He also revealed that two other aircraft carrying modern medical equipment will arrive tomorrow in Beirut to equip the two field hospitals.

In a related context, Director-General of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari said in remarks that the State of Qatar's support to its brothers and friends, especially during this crisis, is pivotal to help countries fight the outbreak of COVID-19, which represents a threat to the whole world, especially in light of the exceptional and difficult circumstances facing Lebanon following the explosion of Beirut Port in August. 

MOFA