The Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji, recently participated in the Donors’ Conference to Support Displaced People and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region held in Jeddah. During the event, ElKhereiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and providing aid to member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during crises. This commitment is rooted in the Kingdom’s long-standing humanitarian principles and aligned with the OIC’s charter. Saudi Arabia has a history of extending aid to countries and individuals in need, reflecting the noble Islamic values of solidarity, cooperation, and unity. These efforts align with the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranked among the top global donors for humanitarian and development aid, providing a total of $1.239 billion, leading Islamic and Arab countries. Over the past five decades, the Kingdom has offered more than $130 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to over 170 countries. ElKhereiji highlighted the Kingdom’s dedication to collaborating with the United Nations and various civil society organizations to support infrastructure development in host countries, aiming to alleviate the burden of displaced persons. He also emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable solutions for countries facing displacement crises.
The deteriorating security situation, including terrorist activities, along with worsening social, economic, and health conditions in the Sahel and Lake Chad region poses significant threats not only to African nations but also to neighboring regions. These challenges hinder efforts to achieve security, stability, and a dignified life for affected communities. ElKhereiji called on member states and relevant humanitarian organizations to expedite their relief efforts in response to the crises in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. He urged the OIC and its specialized bodies to support development projects and provide humanitarian assistance to address the region’s challenges.
Saudi Arabia has utilized all its resources to support humanitarian causes through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). ElKhereiji expressed hope that these efforts would contribute to promoting security, stability, and peace worldwide. The Kingdom’s commitment to providing aid to those in need, regardless of their circumstances, reflects its dedication to upholding Islamic values of solidarity and unity. This commitment is inspired by the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia’s long-standing humanitarian principles and support for member states of the OIC during crises demonstrate its commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and providing essential aid to those in need.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Donors’ Conference to Support Displaced People and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region highlights the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to promoting security, stability, and peace worldwide through humanitarian aid and development assistance. This commitment is rooted in the Kingdom’s long-standing humanitarian principles and aligned with the OIC’s charter. Through collaboration with the United Nations and various civil society organizations, Saudi Arabia aims to support infrastructure development in host countries and foster sustainable solutions for countries facing displacement crises. The Kingdom’s efforts to address the challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad region emphasize the importance of collective action and support from member states and humanitarian organizations to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
