(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz launched the Saudi National Campaign for the Relief of Somali People to collect donations for the people of Somalia suffering from drought and famine. All funds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be transferred to an account at National Commercial Bank (NCB) under the supervision of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Royal Court, King Abdullah urged all Saudis to donate generously to the Somali people. During his statement, King Abdullah quoted a number of verses from the Holy Qur'an encouraging all to donate and support the campaign.

“This campaign continues Saudi Arabia’s advocacy for the well-being of the people of Somalia,” said Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. “The Kingdom is committed to supporting the victims in Somalia and other nations in need of humanitarian aid and support.”

King Abdullah kicked off the campaign with a $5.3 million donation. Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz donated $2.7 million and Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz donated $1.3 million to the campaign. Saudi television channels also will air live broadcast of the campaign.

Last week, the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) pledged $350 million for a Somalia anti-starvation program. In July, Saudi Arabia pledged $50 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for Somali refugees to be used for food supplies in cooperation with the World Food Program (WFP) and $10 million in medicine and vaccinations in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO). 

For more information on Saudi Arabia please visit www.saudiembassy.net or follow the Embassy on Twitter @SaudiEmbassyUSA.