RIYADH — Yemen›s Minister of Local Administration and Chairman of the High Relief Committee Abed Araqib Fateh recently expressed his thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for their ongoing humanitarian support to all Yemenis and particularly for the additional $500 million in food aid funding recently pledged by the Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The fund is a joint Saudi-UAE initiative, with each country contributing equally to the emergency assistance.

In a recent press statement, the Yemeni minister stated that the purpose of the urgent funding was to help to close the serious gap in Yemen›s food supply. Fateh added that this initiative proved the Gulf states› commitment to supporting the people and the legitimate government of Yemen to help the country move toward stability, ensuring peace and security for all Yemenis.

The GCC countries previously extended support to the UN›s Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2018 to the tune of more than $1.25 billion

Fateh praised the GCC›s rapid response to Yemen›s humanitarian crisis and their support for the extensive aid and development work being carried out in the country. He stated that this latest assistance would help combat malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and the elderly. The food aid will also reduce the number of maternity deaths and improve overall nutritional outcomes for children and families.

The Yemeni minister called upon UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to make the best use of available donor funds, particularly the large contributions from the GCC countries, to implement countrywide projects for the benefit of all Yemenis.

Meanwhile, seven relief trucks dispatched by KSrelief crossed Al-Wadiah port of entry on their way to the Maarib governorate. The trucks carried 49 tons of shelter items, including tents, rugs and blankets. — SG