Saudi Arabia pledges $3.25 billion in aid to Yemen
- 12 years ago
Concerns are intensifying in Saudi Arabia over the growing presence of Al Qaeda in neighbouring Yemen.
After meeting with a group of Western and Gulf donor countries in Riyadh, the Saudis promised three and a quater billion U.S. dollars in aid for its impoverished neighbour.
The group discussed political developments since President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down in February, addressing issues of reform, poverty and lawlessness.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ADVISOR ON YEMEN, JAMAL BENOMAR, SAYING:
"The meeting is in the context of the efforts that the government is pursuing in order to implement the GCC initiative and limitation mechanisms. Transition is on track and there is a lot of support from the international community."
The Saudi pledge comes two days after more than 90 Yemeni soldiers were killed in a suicide attack during a military rehearsal in Sana'a.
Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal did not detail how the aid money would be used.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
After meeting with a group of Western and Gulf donor countries in Riyadh, the Saudis promised three and a quater billion U.S. dollars in aid for its impoverished neighbour.
The group discussed political developments since President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down in February, addressing issues of reform, poverty and lawlessness.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ADVISOR ON YEMEN, JAMAL BENOMAR, SAYING:
"The meeting is in the context of the efforts that the government is pursuing in order to implement the GCC initiative and limitation mechanisms. Transition is on track and there is a lot of support from the international community."
The Saudi pledge comes two days after more than 90 Yemeni soldiers were killed in a suicide attack during a military rehearsal in Sana'a.
Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal did not detail how the aid money would be used.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters