Gilani appreciates Saudi assistance for flood affected 

      
ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Wednesday expressed profound gratitude of his government and the people to King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud for his help in the wake of devastating floods in Pakistan. Talking to Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Bin Salih Al-Ghadeer here at the PM House, Gilani appreciated that the custodian of two holy mosques had made a personal appeal to the Saudi people to help Pakistan’s flood victims.
He said it was gratifying to note that King Abdullah had himself contributed over US $ 110 million out of the total collection of US $ 242 million for Pakistan.
The amount was utilized for establishing air bridges under which 30 planes and 1000 truck loads of relief supplies have reached Pakistan.
The assistance was also being used for provision of relief operation including boats, medicines, medical teams, tents and food supplies in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister said logistic support would be arranged by NDMA and the provincial authorities for setting up the second 100-bed field hospital donated by Saudi Arabia in Rajanpur area, one of the worst affected region lacking medical facilities.
Gilani thanked the Ambassador for his relentless efforts to visit almost all the flood affected areas in the country and to personally deliver the relief goods to the flood victims and supervise the Saudi relief activities.
The Prime Minister appreciated that Saudi Arabia had generously and timely disbursed its pledge of US $ 700 million of assistance to Pakistan at the Donors Conference held in Tokyo and steadfastly stood by Pakistan in every crisis.
He said Pakistan and its people greatly value their relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and have sentimental attachment with the people and the custodian of two holy mosques.
Prime Minister asked the Ambassador to convey to the King and the government of Saudi Arabia measures taken by his government to; ensure complete transparency in utilization of funds through establishing of an oversight mechanism.
He said cash assistance was being disbursed to the flood affected families through Watan cards, provision of free seeds and pesticides to the farmers, and assuring adequate, judicious and timely supply of warm clothes and tents to the people.
Prime Minister said his government’s national strategy for reconstruction would be presented during the forthcoming meeting of Pakistan Development Forum to enlist support of major friendly countries. He hoped that Saudi Arabia would be appropriately represented in the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) meeting.
Ambassador Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim Bin Salih Al-Ghadeer said the King of Saudi Arabia had provided him an aircraft and ordered to personally visit all flood affected areas in Pakistan and personally undertake the relief activities.
The Ambassador said the King had further instructed him to fully coordinate the relief activities with the government of Pakistan for optimum utilization of Saudi generated assistance to reach the most deserving people in every region.
The Saudi Ambassador said the King had asked him to convey the assurances of his government that Pakistan will not be left alone to fend for itself and the people of Saudi Arabia will do everything in their capacity to help their Pakistani brethren until the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases are completed.
He said Pakistan had a special place in the hearts and minds of the King and the people of Saudi Arabia and these fraternal ties will continue to grow from strength to strength in future.
The Ambassador said Saudi Arabia will actively participate in the PDF meeting scheduled in Islamabad from November 14-15 and the Saudi Mission in Islamabad will coordinate provision of assistance with the Pakistani authorities for best possible use.