The chairman was addressing delegates at the 125th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Bern during the tabling of an emergency item on the plight of famine-stricken Somalia and relief efforts by IPU member states presented by the Namibian delegation.
“Under our king’s directives, Saudi Arabia quickly responded to the international appeal of the UN secretary-general to assist Somalia, which was devastated by drought and famine,” Al-Asheikh said, pointing out that King Abdullah ordered an urgent donation of $60 million in July.
He explained that out of the $60 million, $50 million was given to the World Food Program and the balance went to the World Health Organization. The Kingdom also donated 500 tons of dates to Somalia.
In addition, Al-Asheikh said, on the king’s initiative the government collected around SR330 million in cash and 400 tons in foodstuffs from people living in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia sent the relief materials, including 5,000 tents, to the famine victims in 24 aircraft through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Shoura chairman said the Kingdom also helped the poverty-stricken country to sink 150 wells to ensure a supply of drinking water to the suffering Somalis.
Al-Asheikh said the Kingdom contributed SR13 million to Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu and sent a team of 20 doctors to treat patients who visit the hospital. “The doctors not only prescribed medicines for the sick but also conducted surgeries as and when needed.”
The chairman said the Kingdom will also assist these refugees to return to their respective towns and villages through a comprehensive agricultural program.
He said a major portion of the sacrificial meat from the current Haj season will be sent to Somalia.
President of the Swiss National Council (Lower House), Jean-René Germanier, was elected President of the 125th IPU Assembly.
Some 1,400 delegates, including 39 speakers of Parliament and close to 600 legislators from 129 countries, gathered in the Swiss capital to attend the conference, which ended on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Al-Asheikh will visit Ukraine on an invitation from the country’s Parliament. Shoura Council members Abdul Rahman Al-Mushaigi and Mohammed Al-Turki will accompany the chairman to Kiev.
