IRNA – UN Humanitarian chief visited quake-stricken parts in western Iran and praised “the Government’s efforts to save the lives', according to UNIC-Tehran press release.

The Full-text of the press release follows:

United Nations Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Mark Lowcock on Wednesday concluded a two-day visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, where he met with senior Iranian officials to discuss regional and global humanitarian crises, and also conveyed his condolences to the Government and Iranian people for the loss of life caused by the devastating earthquake that hit Kermanshah on November 12.

“I commend the Government’s efforts to save lives and alleviate the sufferings of hundreds of thousands of people in the earthquake zone,” Lowcock said. “During my visit, I also reiterated the UN’s readiness to support the Government by providing humanitarian aid if it is required to fill any gaps in the response.”

The discussions included promotion of emergency preparedness efforts and international cooperation in disaster response and enhancing the capacity of the urban search and rescue teams, and exchange of technical expertise and knowledge with Iran. He welcomed the “Getting Airports Ready for Disasters” (GARD) exercise which will take place in Iran at the end of November.

Lowcock’s discussions with the Government also covered major humanitarian crises, including in Syria, Yemen and the situation of the Rohingya refugees.

He urged the Iranian government to help facilitate response efforts, assistance and protection for the crisis-affected people, and humanitarian access.

Lowcock met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, Deputy Minister of Interior Shojai KIassari and National Disaster Management Office officials, Head of the Iranian Parliament National Security and Foreign Affairs Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Dr. Aliasghar Peyvandi, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Farazmand for Arab States and Middle East, United Nations representatives and foreign diplomats.

He travelled to Moscow on Thursday to meet senior officials in the Russian government to discuss global humanitarian developments.