The UK and Saudi Arabia are poised to significantly enhance their collaboration on joint humanitarian and development initiatives worldwide. This partnership, which has already pledged a total of $22 million in joint funding, will receive an additional $5 million to address escalating levels of malnutrition in Somalia.
This fresh funding, to be announced during the second UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development in Riyadh on May 6, marks the latest advancement in a growing partnership between the two nations.
The UK and Saudi Arabia aim to bolster assistance for individuals residing in conflict-affected regions by expanding joint projects aimed at tackling some of the most pressing international development and humanitarian challenges.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, the Deputy Foreign Secretary and H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and Adviser to the Royal Court, will unveil an additional $5 million allocation to combat rising malnutrition rates in Somalia through UNICEF.
This funding will facilitate the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene services to over 50,000 vulnerable Somali women and children. The announcement will be made in Riyadh as part of the second annual UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development.
Discussion topics at the dialogue will encompass increasing aid to Gaza and promoting progress towards peace in Sudan. The UK and Saudi Arabia have already committed a combined $22 million, providing essential assistance and humanitarian aid in Somalia and Sudan.
Further collaboration is anticipated through joint humanitarian and development initiatives in Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Ukraine. These programs will be executed through KSrelief and the Saudi Fund for Development, the primary aid and development agencies of the Kingdom.
Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister of State (Development and Africa), Andrew Mitchell, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to supporting conflict-affected populations globally. He also underscored discussions on ending the conflict in Gaza and ensuring aid reaches those in need.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and Adviser to the Royal Court, expressed optimism about the partnership’s future and highlighted the potential for collaboration in health interventions, education infrastructure development, and livelihood creation programs.
Additionally, the Deputy Foreign Secretary will sign a Joint Cooperation Agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development to bolster cooperation on development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This visit underscores the UK’s Development White Paper in action, demonstrating collaboration with a broader range of development partners to deliver joint programs and mobilize essential funding to meet global development needs.
During the visit, the Minister is slated to meet with key Saudi officials, including the Vice Foreign Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister and Climate Envoy, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, and Assistant Finance Minister and G20 Sherpa.
