Iranian FM visits famine-ravaged Somalia

IRI Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi arrived in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, Tuesday to examine the latest situation in the famine-ravaged country and consider thepossible ways Iran can further assist the affected populations.

Mr. Salehi is accompanied by the authorities of IRI Red Crescent Society (IRCS). He was scheduled to hold talks with Somali authorities.

The Iranian delegation will also visit camps of the famine-stricken people of Somalia.

On Monday, the fourth batch of Iran’s humanitarian aid, including 25 tons of rice and grains, was delivered to Somali Red Crescent Society officials to help the impoverished people in the famine-hit African country.

Iran has so far dispatched more than 120 tons of aid including foodstuff and medicine for the crisis-hit people in the Horn of Africa country.

IRCS Head Abolhassan Faqih said on Monday that the fifth and sixth humanitarian aid shipments for drought-stricken Somalia are being loaded into cargo planes at Payam Airport, located 40 kilometers (24 miles) west of the Iranian capital, Tehran.