WFP thanks the custodian of the two Holy Mosques for leadership in challenge to alleviate world hunger

"This act of generosity stands out as a beacon of hope for the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world," said Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of WFP, adding that the $500m that Saudi Arabia donated to WFP earlier this year was vital in protecting millions of people in developing countries from the impact of high food prices.

"This gift, from the heart of a great humanitarian, gave food and hope to millions of people at a time of their greatest needs,"

Sheeran said.

Sheeran - who has just concluded a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia - had an audience with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, where she presented His Majesty, King Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with WFP's highest award, "Champion in the Battle Against Hunger."

During her meeting with His Majesty, Sheeran discussed WFP's "Fill the Cup" campaign which aims to ensure that no child on earth goes to school hungry. She also gave an update on how new, highly fortified food products, including date bars with micronutrients and minerals, are being deployed by WFP to provide young children with the nutritional boost they need to reach their full physical and mental potential.

Sheeran also met the Minister of Agriculture, His Excellency Fahad Balgunaim, the principal partner with WFP, and discussed the potential for drawing on Saudi expertise to ensure that the nutritional dimension of products provided as food assistance is best matched to the special needs of women and young children.

She also met His Excellency Ibrahim Al Assaf, Minister of Finance, and discussed ways to strengthen the partnership between WFP and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through industry and initiatives to make aid more effective.

Sheeran concluded her mission with a visit to the Saudi Red Crescent Society, where she was received by His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal Bin Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Saudi Red Crescent Society. The two agreed to formalise a long-standing partnership between their organisations and to exchange expertise with a view to strengthening their humanitarian response capacity. During the meeting, Sheeran invited His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal to WFP headquarters in Rome and to join her on a high-level visit to WFP operations in the field.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has graciously agreed to host a symposium in the coming months bringing together international experts to discuss the best humanitarian response to the sudden spike in hunger numbers globally. They will look at what has been achieved so far and what needs to be done in the future to save lives and safeguard the livelihoods of those most affected, and support solutions.

In recognition of the close cooperation and understanding between WFP and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, plans are being made to draw up a memorandum of understanding that will cement their partnership in responding to humanitarian emergencies and disaster relief. It is expected that this will be concluded before the end of the year.