Dr. Nagwa Khalil, the Minister of Insurance and Social Affairs and the vice-president of the Egyptian Red Crescent, inaugurated the Consultative Meeting of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in Middle East and North Africa held in Cairo based on the decision of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. 17 countries will participate in the meeting including Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Palestine and Syria. The vice-president of IFRC, deputy secretary general of IFRC and presidents of IFRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross for Middle East and North Africa will participate in the meeting along with the secretary general of the Arab Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross. The two-day meeting will discuss in the first day the strategy adopted by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies concerning dealing with catastrophes as well as the possible methods for developing the abilities of the national societies, facilitating exchange of information and improving the latest means of relief action. In the second day, the participants will exchange views about the possible methods of cooperation among the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to boost the abilities of the national societies, use the latest technologies, develop resources and foster the role of these societies in helping governments.
