Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi is scheduled to pay a visit to the famine-ravaged country of Somalia in the near future and assess the situation there.
Salehi will travel to the Somali capital Mogadishu in the coming days in line with Islamic and humanitarian solidarity with the oppressed Somali government and nation, read a statement by Iran's Foreign Ministry.
Salehi's visit, which will feature negotiations with high-ranking Somali authorities, intends to expedite the delivery of the aid supplies of the Iranian nation and government.
The visit by the Iranian foreign minister will also provide the opportunity for assessment of the activities of Iran's aid and relief agencies, the commodities and items needed by the famine-hit Somalis, and the quickest routes for the dispatch and distribution of aid, the statement continued.
Saeed Matani, an official with Iran's Red Crescent Society (IRCS) noted last week that 'a total of 200 tons' of Iran-provided relief supplies have been sent to Somalia so far and that another 160-ton aid cargo would be dispatched to the country in the near future.
The UN has declared famine in five areas in southern Somalia, warning that, without urgent intervention, the food crisis could engulf the entire southern areas.
According to UN reports, about 3.7 million people in Somalia are on the brink of starvation and millions more in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda have been affected by the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years.
http://www.presstv.com/detail/194273.html
