Saarc Covid-19 Emergency Fund: Four countries pledge $2.3m
Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives have announced their contributions to the Saarc Covid-19 Emergency Fund, which was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 15, to fight spread of the deadly virus under a common regional strategy.
Afghanistan and Nepal pledged $1 million each, the Maldives pledged $200,000 and Bhutan $100,000.
Bangladesh is also working on the making contribution to the fund, which will be finalised today, said a foreign ministry official.
The development comes amid rising cases of Covid-19 that has triggered lockdowns in many countries worldwide, especially in Europe. Experts warn that it may turn serious if immediate and effective measures are not taken now, especially in the countries that are highly populated.
Saarc leaders too voiced similar concerns during a videoconference on March 15. On that day, the Indian PM had made an initial offer of $10 million.
Medical supplies, including masks, testing kits, and sanitisers were already dispatched to Bhutan and the Maldives from India, while requests from other Saarc countries are under various stages of progress, reported Economic Times.
"The emergency fund is up and running. The quantum of assistance requested so far as crossed $ 1million," India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson for the Afghan president, yesterday tweeted that Afghan government has approved the contribution of $1 million.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said, "Thank you. The amount may be small but it is contributed with lots of prayers and affection from all Bhutanese for the larger interest of the people in the region. This noble initiative of PM @narendramodi will be of huge help to those more needy."
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said, "We welcome PM @narendramodi's initiative to create a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund and its pledge of USD 10million. Government of Maldives joins the initiative and pledge USD 200,000 to address issues emanating from COVID-19."
A foreign ministry official of Bangladesh said Dhaka is working on its contribution to the fund, as well as a number of other aspects that could help address the special situation created due to coronavirus, without revealing details.
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