The Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, launched today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Annual Dates Distribution Program at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh. The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Djibouti in Riyadh, the Al Ahsa Date Factory, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture were also in attendance. 

Dr. Al Rabeeah delivered the following address at the gathering: 

“Under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, KSrelief is pleased to announce today the launching of the Annual Dates Distribution Program with the participation of Foreign, Finance, Environment, Water and Agriculture Ministries of Saudi Arabia together with the Al Ahsa Date Factory.

“Dates are one of the Kingdom’s most important agricultural outputs, and the leadership is keen to distribute the nutritionally beneficial produce each year just before the holy month of Ramadan. 6,500 tons of dates will be distributed to 43 countries as follows: 4,000 tons will be allocated to the World Food Programme (WFP) and distributed to 14 countries, and 2,500 tons will be allocated directly to national governments and distributed to 29 additional countries. 

“We affirm Saudi Arabia's keenness to maintain its pioneering humanitarian role in the world and its commitment to following humanitarian principles of impartiality to help alleviate the suffering of those of need in various countries around the world.

“We would like to point out that Saudi Arabia’s aid has exceeded a total of USD 86 billion since 1996, providing support for some 80 countries.  King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has implemented 996 projects since its establishment in May 2015 for an amount of USD 3.25 billion. These projects covered 44 countries and were implemented in cooperation with 141 UN, international and regional organizations.

“The total amount of aid provided by the Kingdom to Yemen during the last 4 years has reached USD 11.88 billion, benefiting all Yemeni governorates and regions impartially. 

“In conclusion, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Ministries participating in this humanitarian project, as well as to our implementing partners, my colleagues and everyone who contributed to reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s values of tolerance and generosity.” 

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Djibouti had this to say after Dr. Al Rabeeah’s statement: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a good supporter of all countries and peoples in need, and its support has reached all people without exception. The Republic of Djibouti was one of those countries. Also, the Kingdom’s support for Yemen is extensive and is much appreciated. 

“On behalf of the diplomatic corps, I would like to thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH the Crown Prince, and the Kingdom’s wise government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”​