Saudi Arabia handed over a $10 million grant to Mauritius to establish a rapid response system in the wake of cyclones that have struck the island this year.
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah al-Rabeeah unveiled a five-year plan to provide humanitarian aid to more than 60 countries, in continuation of the Kingdom’s aid provided so far to more than 81 countries and which has exceeded $87 billion.
Rabeeah handed over the grant to head of Mauritius’s ruling party Showkutally Soodhun, explaining that it comes under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense.
He hoped the donation will help alleviate the suffering of the people of Mauritius affected by the recent cyclone and fund projects in the shelter, health and food sectors to assist with rapid intervention.
“Saudi Arabia is also providing 50 tons of dates as an additional contribution during the holy month of Ramadan to support families in need in light of the current crisis.”
Saudi Arabia is committed to following international humanitarian principles for providing impartial assistance, Rabeeah said, stressing that its main goal lies in easing the suffering of all people in need.
“Over the past four years, KSRelief has provided more that 1,000 humanitarian projects, worth more than SAR3.3 billion ($880 million), in more than 42 countries,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The donations have covered food, health and community programs, as well as housing projects.
KSRelief embraces the Kingdom’s humanitarian volunteer platform and has many voluntary programs, especially in the medical field, added Rabeeah.
Soodhun, for his part, stressed that this grant will allow Mauritius to provide immediate humanitarian support to victims of cyclones, floods and other natural disasters, especially for the most vulnerable people.
“Saudi Arabia has been our ever-faithful and active partner in the socio-economic transformation of our country,” he noted.
He said the Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Salih bin Taher Benten and Minister of States for African Affairs Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Kattan’s visits to Mauritius reflect the dynamic nature of the bilateral relations.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia is a hub for regional and international stability due to its role in promoting regional and international security and peace.
