High Relief Authority: Flour Donation Arrives from Turkey's AFAD

The High Relief Authority announced in a statement the receipt of a flour donation from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) in cooperation with UNRWA, in the presence of the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Murat Lüttem, the General Director of the High Relief Authority Colonel Bassam Nabulsi, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon Dorothy Klaus, General Director of the Grain and Sugar Beet Office at the Ministry of Economy and Trade Assam Abu Jouda, Colonel Edmond Kadeo, and a delegation from the High Relief Authority in the storage yards – Beirut Port.

Colonel Nabulsi welcomed the attendees and expressed on behalf of the High Relief Authority and Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade "the deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of Turkey, its leadership and people, to His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Murat Lüttem and the Turkish Embassy team, to AFAD, as well as to Dr. Dorothy Klaus and UNRWA, for this generous flour contribution to Lebanon".

He added: "This generous initiative comes within a long-standing context of humanitarian support and contributions provided by Turkey to Lebanon through the Turkish state, its institutions, and humanitarian agencies, particularly AFAD, which has stood alongside Lebanon during numerous crises and delivered diverse forms of assistance to support the Lebanese people and the most vulnerable groups."

He continued: "We highly value the continuous and constructive cooperation with the Republic of Turkey and its humanitarian institutions and agencies, reflecting the depth of historical and human ties between our two nations, and embodying Turkey’s ongoing commitment to stand with Lebanon in times of need."

Nabulsi also extended thanks and appreciation to UNRWA and Dr. Dorothy Klaus for "their continuous collaboration with the High Relief Authority and their sustained humanitarian efforts in supporting Palestinian refugees and vulnerable communities in Lebanon." He said: "Turkey and UNRWA, each in their respective roles, have become key partners in responding to humanitarian needs in Lebanon through providing aid and donations, and cooperating with Lebanese and international entities, thereby contributing to supporting refugees, displaced persons, the most vulnerable Lebanese families, and host communities."

He highlighted that "this flour assistance holds particular importance, as it is a basic staple directly ensuring food security and household needs, and will contribute—through coordination among the High Relief Authority, the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and relevant partners—to supporting those in urgent need of support."

He emphasized that "this contribution goes beyond material aid; it is a sincere expression of solidarity, friendship, and humanitarian partnership, and a message affirming that Lebanon is not alone in facing challenges, and that international and humanitarian cooperation remains a cornerstone in supporting the most vulnerable communities."

Nabulsi affirmed "our commitment to continue and strengthen cooperation with the Republic of Turkey, AFAD, and UNRWA, especially His Excellency Ambassador Murat Lüttem and the Turkish Embassy team, and Dr. Dorothy Klaus and the UNRWA team, serving Lebanon, its people, and all needy groups across the country."

He concluded: "Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you for this generous initiative, for all past contributions and support provided to Lebanon, and for your ongoing collaboration and unwavering trust."

The Turkish Ambassador spoke, saying: "Turkey has placed great importance on humanitarian solidarity, believing that humanitarian aid is not limited to providing support but also includes standing beside people in times of need."

Over the past two years, Turkey has continued supporting Lebanon in response to humanitarian crises resulting from the Israeli aggression, with total aid from Turkish government institutions and NGOs reaching nearly 4,000 tons.

As part of ongoing assistance, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) is delivering 2,000 tons of flour to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The new shipment arrived today, and we thank Colonel Nabulsi, the UNRWA Director, and Lebanese authorities for facilitating the process.

This assistance aims to meet one of the fundamental needs of families and communities facing difficult circumstances, and we hope it provides tangible support to those in dire need. We also express our gratitude to the United Nations and other institutions and partners who contributed to delivering and distributing these aid supplies."

The Ambassador Lüttem emphasized: "Turkey will continue its solidarity with Lebanon and Palestinian refugees there, following the momentum in bilateral relations after recent visits by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Turkey."

He noted that "a strong and stable Lebanon serves the interests of the entire region, and Turkey will continue supporting it and providing humanitarian assistance whenever needed."

UNRWA’s Director stated: "We are here today to receive the first shipment of 1,000 metric tons of wheat flour, generously donated by the Turkish government, supported by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), at Beirut Port. This shipment will provide flour and bread to Palestinian refugees and displaced Lebanese individuals affected by the recent economic fallout of hostilities in Lebanon."

She added: "Palestinian refugees have faced high poverty rates ranging between 70 and 80 percent in recent years due to limited job opportunities and difficulty accessing the labor market. At the same time, displaced Lebanese from conflict zones continue to flee their homes seeking safety, relying entirely on aid after their livelihoods were disrupted or destroyed."

She pointed out that UNRWA has engaged a network of bakeries and partner organizations to deliver bread twice weekly to all Palestinian refugee families, in addition to distributing flour for home use. This will alleviate some financial burdens on households and ensure access to essential food items."

She noted that "making this shipment and humanitarian assistance possible required the involvement of multiple stakeholders and partners committed to aiding the vulnerable. First, I would like to thank, through His Excellency Turkish Ambassador Mr. Murat Lüttem, the Turkish government and Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) for their generous donation of flour."

She emphasized that "it would not have been possible to receive and distribute this shipment in Lebanon without the excellent support, coordination, and facilitation provided by the High Relief Authority, which I thank through its General Director Colonel Bassam Nabulsi, along with support from the Ministry of Economy and Trade."

She also thanked her colleagues at UNRWA who "provided outstanding support in this complex logistical operation and worked diligently to make these partnerships successful. The benefits of this joint cooperation will reach the most vulnerable with the highest spirit of humanity, symbolizing solidarity between Palestinians and Lebanese in Lebanon."