The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can play an even greater role in humanitarian affairs, says Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos [EN/AR]

(Riyadh/New York, 30 November 2011) Ending a one-day mission to Saudi Arabia, Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with the Kingdom in regional and international humanitarian affairs.

“Saudi Arabia plays an important role in humanitarian affairs,” said USG Amos in Riyadh. “In addition to contributing generously to crises in Somalia, Pakistan and Haiti, the Kingdom also engages actively in other key humanitarian response mechanisms such as the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).”

During her visit USG Amos met with HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, HRH Princess Adelah Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and the Minister of Finance, HE Dr. Ibrahim Bin-Abd-Al-Aziz Al-Assaf.

Ms. Amos stressed that Saudi leadership is essential as the international community faces larger and more complex crises in the region and elsewhere in the world. “Effective partnership is crucial if UN agencies and other organizations are going to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of an increasing number of people affected by emergencies around the world,” emphasized USG Amos.

“The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) values the role Saudi Arabia is playing in response to humanitarian needs globally,” said Valerie Amos. “I thank the people and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their generosity and solidarity with those in need of assistance.” USG Amos also noted that the visit was an opportunity to discuss current humanitarian crises and ways of strengthening this partnership further.