Beirut explosion: World leaders to hold talks for aid

International leaders are likely to hold negotiations through a virtual conference on Sunday to raise funds for Beirut.

The conference has been set up by France and the United Nations. US President Donald Trump has plans to join the conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron has visited Beirut on Thursday. He announced that he wanted to arrange international aid for the country.

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According to the statement from France’s presidential palace, Sunday’s conference “will aim to mobilize Lebanon’s main international partners and to organize and coordinate emergency support from the international community”.

President Trump has mentioned in a tweet that he has discussed the “catastrophic event” in Beirut with Mr. Macron. He said that he has plans to join the call.

“Everyone wants to help!” he wrote.

Had a lengthy discussion this morning with President Macron of France concerning numerous subjects, but in particular the catastrophic event which took place in Beirut, Lebanon…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2020

Several countries have already promised to provide aid worth millions of dollars. They have sent ships, health workers, and materiel to support Beirut.

However, the UN agencies have urged the countries for more help, as they warned about the challenges ahead.

Lebanon I facing numerous issues; many homes are deprived of electricity, food shortage prevails, and coronavirus cases have been increased.

“The needs are immediate and they are huge,” Unicef spokeswoman Marixie Mercado told reporters in Geneva on Friday.