When a country is struck by a disaster, does giving relief normally make you "friendly?" I guess what I am asking is if I give relief to countries, what are the advantages?
None really... The receiving country may not even know you sent the relief unless you tell them you did. If the other player is appreciative, you'll make a friend, if they're not then you just wasted a few valuable assets. Best to reserve them for your own empire, common-market and fed-mates, unless you're feeling really friendly.