SPA - A high-level Saudi delegation comprising Saudi Red Crescent Society Acting President Dr Salih Al-Tuwaijeri and Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Ali Awwadh Assiri met here today with Pakistan Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan to express their full support for the people of Pakistan in the wake of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Pakistan. The Saudi delegation told the minister that a sum of SR120 million was collected as donations for relief in Pakistan in response to a Saudi Television telethon, a Pakistan government statement issued after the meeting said. Two flights carrying relief goods are arriving in Pakistan from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia daily. Federal Health Secretary Syed Anwar Mahmoud also attended the meeting. The Saudi government is to provide support worth SR500 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, Dr Salih Al-Tuwaijeri told the minister. Assiri said a 50-bed field hospital established by the Saudi relief team is functioning in Mansehra. Khan expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan for the great support of the Saudi government and people in the wake of the devastating earthquake. This, he said, stands out as a glorious example of the strong bonds of friendship between the two peoples deeply-rooted in a common religion, history and culture.
