JEDDAH, 2 April 2003 — Saudi Arabia announced yesterday it was dispatching 41 new ambulances and a large quantity of medicine to Palestine to meet the growing need of hospitals and first aid centers there.
Palestinian Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Shaibi received the vehicles and medicine during a special function organized in Riyadh by the Saudi Committee for the Support of Al-Quds Intifada.
Dr. Saaed Al-Arabi Al-Harithy, chairman of the executive committee, said the new ambulances were part of 137 fully equipped ambulances sent by the Kingdom to Palestine at a total cost of SR14 million.
He said the Saudi committee had given priority to medical assistance program for the Palestinians, allocating SR122.5 million for the purpose.
“The committee will continue to provide humanitarian aid,” Al-Harithy said, adding that more than SR660 million have already been spent on the project.
Earlier, Interior Minister Prince Naif, who is chairman of the committee, met with the Palestinian minister in Riyadh and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s all-out support for the Palestinian people.
He said Riyadh’s support for the Palestinians was an affirmation of humanitarian values upheld by the country and its efforts in the service of Muslims the world over.
The Palestinian minister, on his part, expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Saudi government and people to the Palestinian cause.
He commended the significant role being played by the Saudi committee in meeting the requirements of the Palestinian people.
