Brussels/ Information Office/ April 05

Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Wednesday met Stephen O'Brien, U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, on the sidelines of the International Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which is taking place in Brussels. 
The meeting discussed the existing coordination between Qatar and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 
HE the foreign minister stressed Qatar's support to the international efforts that aim to provide humanitarian aid to the affected areas as well as offering assistance to Syrian refugees and alleviating their suffering. 
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the appointment of HE Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Muraikhi as humanitarian envoy of the U.N. secretary general is a testament to Qatar's commitment to cooperation with the United Nations regarding humanitarian affairs. 
HE the foreign minister expressed aspiration to more partnerships between Qatar and OCHA thanks to the office's significant role in terms of ensuring rapid response to disasters and emergencies. 
Qatar has pledged $5 million to the Central Emergency Response Fund over five years, a vow that stresses Qatar's commitment to working as a dedicated partner in support of the Central Emergency Response Fund to address emergencies. 
In addition, Qatar has announced a new pledge of $100 million in humanitarian aid for Syria in a similar move to a pledge it made last year at London donors conference.