Rome, Italy.- The relationships between Cuba and the World Food Program (WFP) are reinforced by concrete cooperation actions, such as the emergency aid provided to the island following the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

This was confirmed by UN agency’s Executive Director, David Beasly, and Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the international organizations based in Rome, ambassador Jose Carlos Rodriguez, during the presentation of credentials that accredits him as such.

The event was used for a fluid dialogue in which the Cuban diplomat expressed his government’s positive assessment on the results of Beasly’s visit to Cuba, immediately after the destructive step of the meteorological phenomenon.

He also thanked the possibility of having, immediately, resources to purchase food, as well as taking action to mobilize additional resources.

During his stay in the island, where he was welcomed by First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other officials, Beasly toured some Havana areas affected by the hurricane, highlighted the island’s preparation to face disasters and the government’s response capacity to protect and care for the population.

The international executive director praised the country’s effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of food assistance provided by the entity he manages.

As a result of the visit, the WFP executive director announced a $5.7 million USD operation to complement, for four months, the food needs of 664,000 residents in the most affected territories by the hurricane.

According to information available up to December 30, the operation was 83.6 percent of fund-raising, among which 1,559,750 are from the Common Fund of the UN Agencies and 829,384 are from the European Commission.