Saudi Arabia urges international help for Sudan

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, called on Wednesday for the international community to help war-stricken Sudan, Anadolu has reported. Bin Farhan made his call during his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.

“We call on our partners and international donors to redouble efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” he said. The minister then explained his country’s policy regarding humanitarian assistance to the African country and its displaced residents.

“The Kingdom’s humanitarian response has included three important elements. In the beginning of the conflict, we worked through our ministry of defence for the urgent evacuation of foreign nationals to the port city of Jeddah. This large-scale initiative reflected our commitment to tackle all aspects of the crisis with a high degree of coordination with our partners.”

This was followed, said Bin Farhan, by offering $100 million in direct humanitarian support, and launching a public donation campaign.

“The third element aims to address humanitarian access, and we have been working with the World Food Programme and the UN to make sure that we can facilitate access through the port of Jeddah [across the Red Sea] to Sudan.”

The Saudi official added that the Kingdom is eager to discuss with its international partners ways to safeguard humanitarian corridors, protect relief workers and restore humanitarian services in Sudan.

OPINION: Is there any chance for peace in Sudan?