TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA THE Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani on Sunday said that while a number rich countries cut their aid to the poor ones in 2011, Qatar had raised it to $730 million, twice of what it gave in 2010.

He also reminded the world community that 2011 was a difficult year for the poor countries as they faced acute food shortages, decline in investments and exports.

“The government and non-governmental aid (of Qatar) this year is estimated to touch $990 million and this does not include aid provided by some government agencies”, HH the Emir said. He urged rich countries to try to meet the gross domestic product (GDP) to aid ratio suggested by the United Nations.

HH the Emir noted the trend of steep fall in the official aid volume to these countries. Pointing out that the falling trend, paradoxically, was not witnessed even during the economic downturn, he said that its continuation would cause concern.

Underlining the need to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) despite the expected delay, HH the Emir said additional development objectives should be formulated to take into account new developments and significant differences.

HH the Emir also noted with concern the challenges of achieving the MDGs in developing countries. “This applies to the goals associated with securing sanitation and safe drinking water, providing primary education to all, protection of biodiversity, reduction mortality rate among children under five, empowerment of women and reducing undernourishment”, he said. (RM)