ISLAMABAD – The Saudi government on Monday handed over a consignment of 80tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme for distribution amongPakistanis to help meet their nutritional needs.

The Charge d’ Affairs of the Saudi Embassy, Habiballah Al-Bukhari, handedover the consignment of dates to World Food Representative Finbarr Curranbefore inking an agreement, at a ceremony held at the Saudi embassy.

The World Food Programme would distribute the dates amongst the registeredfamilies on behalf of the Government of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Charge d’ Affairs Habiballah Al-Bukhari said the gift of the dates toPakistan was an annual feature and reflective of the fraternal bondsbetween Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He said the kingdom donates almost 1.9 per cent of its gross nationalproduct to around 80 countries, in the form of humanitarian, developmentand grant assistance.

Curran said his organisation has had a long standing relationship withPakistan and had also worked with Saudi Arabia in assisting it to reach outto the needy people across the globe.

He said the dates provide a range of essential nutrients, vitamins andminerals, and pointed that their consumption contributes towards ensuringdiet diversity which in turn helps reduce micro nutrient deficiencies.

He said the WFP was looking forward to further the partnership with theGovernment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the King Salman HumanitarianAid and Relief Centre, in their efforts to extend their reach with thecooperation of the Government of Pakistan to improve food security andnutrition in the country. – APP