Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the contribution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the World Food Programme

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the offer of the landmark contribution of $500 million to the World Food Programme by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. This contribution completes the World Food Programme's appeal target of $755 million to respond to the rise in fuel and food costs. The Secretary-General notes that this contribution of an unprecedented size and generosity comes not a moment too soon, given the needs of millions of people dependent on food rations.