RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday a joint package of assistance to Sudan, amounting to a total of $3 billion, Saudi Press Agency reported.

These included $500 million provided by the two countries as a deposit in the Central Bank of Sudan in order to strengthen its financial position as well as to ease the pressure on the Sudanese pound and achieve greater stability in the exchange rate.

The remaining amount of $2.5 billion will be spent on meeting the urgent needs of the Sudanese people for food, medicine and petroleum products. The SPA statement said the Kingdom and UAE made the announcement in view of their duty toward the Sudanese people, and in the light of the constructive cooperation and support for Sudan. — SG/SPA