The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shipped a second supply of medical equipment to Iran as the Islamic Republic fights to contain its spreading coronavirus outbreak, which has so far killed more than 800 Iranians.  

“Providing life-saving assistance to those experiencing distress is essential to serving the common good,” the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy said in a statement. “The leadership and people stand shoulder to shoulder with nations in their time of need.”

The two aircraft, which took off from Abu Dhabi on March 16, were carrying 32 tons of medical supplies and equipment, including thousands of pairs of gloves, surgical masks and protective equipment, according to the UAE Foreign Ministry. 

“Provision of medical supplies is critical to curbing the spread of COVID-19, and the UAE is committed to doing all it can to stamp out the virus, both at home and around the Gulf region,” Hend Al Otaiba, director of strategic communications at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, wrote on Twitter.