Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis will head a Greek mission to quake-stricken Haiti with humanitarian aid, comprised of 50 tons of pharmaceutical supplies, foodstuffs and tents.
A Hellenic Aid financial assistance of 200,000 euros was approved soon after the devastating earthquake and was channelled to the UN World Food Programme.
In a press conference on Thursday, Kouvelis stated that he will deliver a letter by PM George Papandreou addressed to his Haitian counterpart focusing on the Greek aid, historical bilateral relations and the Greek Government’s pledge to continue to support the country.
Kouvelis underlined that Greece’s next initiative is to contribute to the reconstruction of health infrastructure for children.
The Greek humanitarian aid will arrive in Haiti on board a Hellenic Imperial Airways Boeing 747 aircraft. The airline will cover 50 pct of the transport costs.
A five-member special team formed by Medecins du Monde and the Greek Rescue Team will also be transported to Haiti and offer its assistance.
In consultation with the Spanish EU Presidency the Greek airplane will be used for the repatriation of European citizens who are still in Haiti.