THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state expects contributions of more than Rs 700 crore – the support earlier promised by the UAE Government – from various organisations in the UAE to rebuild flood-ravaged Kerala. They include Non-Resident Keralites, charitable foundations and well-wishers.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters on Monday his five-day visit to the UAE had been a success. He had held talks with functionaries of three major charitable-humanitarian foundations in UAE. Among them was Emirates Red Crescent chairman Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the brother of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Red Crescent had come forward to support the state during the floods itself.
Discussions were also held with Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation chaired by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the brother of the UAE President. They sought the details of the state’s rebuilding work, offered support and assured to send a delegation of senior officers to the state for holding detailed talks.
Pinarayi also held talks with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation vice-chairman Ibrahim Bu Melha. The foundation had sent relief materials during the floods and have now offered to support Kerala on various aspects, including in building constructions.
Dubai Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan received the state delegation at his palace. They were of the view the UAE will never let the state suffer. He also publicly expressed UAE’s affection towards Kerala at a public meeting. “Despite Friday being a holiday, Dubai Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Al Gergawi came to his office to receive the Kerala delegation. This shows their affection towards the state. The UAE Government had promised us `700 crore. But we couldn’t accept that amount. In view of the visit, I’m confident the state will get contributions of much higher amount,” Pinarayi said.
NRK businessmen Yusuffali M A, Azad Moopen, Shamseer Vayalil, office-bearers of various organisations, members of Loka Kerala Sabha, Norka directors, entrepreneurs and professionals played a major role in organising talks between Pinarayi and various UAE officers.