Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief, WFP Sign $40 Mln to Prevent Famine, Malnutrition in Yemen

KSrelief and the WFP sign a Joint Cooperation Agreement to improve food security for the most affected families in some areas of Yemen. (SPA)
KSrelief and the WFP sign a Joint Cooperation Agreement to improve food security for the most affected families in some areas of Yemen. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief, WFP Sign $40 Mln to Prevent Famine, Malnutrition in Yemen

KSrelief and the WFP sign a Joint Cooperation Agreement to improve food security for the most affected families in some areas of Yemen. (SPA)
KSrelief and the WFP sign a Joint Cooperation Agreement to improve food security for the most affected families in some areas of Yemen. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) signed in Riyadh on Tuesday a Joint Cooperation Agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to improve food security for the most affected families in some areas of Yemen. The agreement will benefit 2,333,333 individuals at a cost of USD 40,000,000 to prevent famine and malnutrition.

The agreement was signed by Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, and Executive Director of the WFP, David Beasley.

The agreement aims to meet the priorities of food security and nutritional needs in accordance with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Report (IPC) for the food insecurity analysis in Yemen, to benefit the following governorates: Abyan, Hodeidah, Amran, Al-Bayda, Dhale, Marib, Shabwah, Taiz, Al-Mahrah, Socotra, Hadramawt, Aden, Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahj, Saada, Sanaa, Al-Mahwit, Dhamar, Amanat Al-Asimah and Raymah. The project will be completed within six months.

Al Rabeeah stressed during a press statement that the Kingdom has reached a pioneering role in global relief and humanitarian work.

Throughout its history, Saudi Arabia has extended the hand of support to brotherly and friendly countries based on its belief in the importance of humanitarian work, he added.

He stated that the Yemeni people’s humanitarian needs are a priority for the Kingdom, adding that Saudi Arabia is the greatest supporter and financier of humanitarian response plans for Yemen.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s support covered all humanitarian sectors, and helped the UN and its agencies provide decent livelihoods for millions of Yemenis. Tuesday’s agreement would contribute to the provision of food security for families most in need in Yemen.

He said the agreement was a continuation of the ongoing humanitarian and relief aid provided by the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, to support Yemen and its people in accordance with the generous directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.