Qatari ambassador to US meets beneficiaries of Qatar Katrina Fund

HE Qatar's Ambassador to the United States Mohamed Jaham Al Kuwari visited Louisiana and Mississippi states, where he met with some beneficiaries of Qatar Katrina Fund.

Established in 2005 to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, the fund presented a donation of $100 million for assisting victims of the hurricane and backing efforts to rebuild the region. It provided financing for approximately 18 institutions working in the areas of education, housing and health in each of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama states.

During his visit, HE the ambassador met with a number of American citizens who benefited from the establishment of the fund, including employees, students from Tulane and Loyola Universities in addition to a group of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast-Qatar Center at Pass Christian.

HE Al Kuwari also met with officials of the Qatar Hope Fund at Gulfport Memorial Hospital and Mother and Child Fund.

The ambassador also made a field trip to some residential areas built by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and Unity of Greater New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulfport Memorial Hospital said that through Qatar's gift , the Qatari people became an integral part of our society, adding that we are very happy that Al Kuwari's visit gave us an opportunity to express our gratitude and thanks to Qatari people.

During their meeting, the Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu and HE Al Kuwari have discussed Qatar Katrina Fund's contributions to help victims of Katrina so as to rebuild New Orleans in the past decade.

HE said that the humanity needs to unite in the face of such disasters. For Qatar, the humanitarian assistance is part of its culture and diplomacy.

The ambassador said it is important to carry out aid and follow-up on support to ensure the success of the task. "I was proud to see what actually has been achieved through the establishment of the Qatari fund" starting with giving students the opportunity to complete their studies all the way to delivering health services and providing housing to those in need.

Ambassador Al Kawari described Hurricane Katrina as an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gulf Coast, citing the role of Qatar in reviving the region during the past 10 years.

The visit comes within the framework of issuing a book on the Qatari fund's contributions during the past 10 years. The book is expected to be issued in December 2015.