Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace through humanitarian aid
In recent months, Saudi Arabia has taken important steps towards stability and peace in the Middle East. Firstly, with the re-establishment of relations with Iran thanks to China's mediation, the conflict in Yemen has entered a new phase marked by dialogue and the will to put an end to what is already considered the most serious humanitarian crisis on the planet.
Shortly after resuming relations with Tehran, Riyadh established negotiations with Yemen's Houthis - an Iranian-backed militia - to end the war. This move generated hopes for peace in the Arab country after almost a decade of violence.
Something similar has happened in Syria, a nation torn apart by a bloody conflict that has been raging for more than 12 years. With the aim of fostering prospects for peace and dialogue, Saudi Arabia has opted to re-establish relations with the government of Bashar al-Assad, thus leading the Arab world's rapprochement with Damascus. This gesture opened the door to the Arab League once again for Syria, which is now a full member of the organisation again after 12 years. Other countries have followed in the Kingdom's footsteps and have also opted for rapprochement with Damascus with the aim of alleviating the critical humanitarian situation in the country.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center plays a key role here. Since its inception in May 2015, this association has been managing and coordinating relief activities at the international level to ensure the provision of aid in accordance with national interests and values.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court and General Overseer of the King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Action, explained the organisation's activities and objectives during a press briefing in Madrid.
Al Rabeeah, former Minister of Health, underlined the importance of the humanitarian track in promoting peace. He also stressed the importance of creating links with the countries in which they operate in order to improve the situation, especially for women and children.
The King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Action is present in 92 countries, with Yemen and Syria receiving the most aid. However, the organisation also runs projects in countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. In Ukraine, it is also playing a key role as a mediator with the aim of putting an end to the war. In addition, the association's officers are in contact with President Volodimir Zelensky and coordinate aid for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
In addition to providing humanitarian aid, the Centre offers health care, education, shelter, protection, food security and drinking water to those affected. Similarly, during the coronavirus pandemic, the association provided assistance to 41 countries to address the health crisis.
In addition, with the pandemic, the Kingdom boosted advanced vaccine research thanks to good health infrastructures and the quality of doctors and researchers. Here, women have a key role to play. "We believe in the role of women in development and progress," said Al Rabeeah, recalling their role in various sectors.
Saudi Arabia, in addition to providing aid to countries in need, also hosts one million refugees, whom it considers "guests", and provides health care and education.
Resuming relations with Iran and Syria can boost regional peace
The King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Action has reached 34 cooperation agreements with various regional and international organisations, as well as with UN agencies and Saudi universities.
The Centre also works with nations involved in and committed to humanitarian aid to countries in need. In this regard, Al Rabeeah highlighted the role of Spain, which he described as a "generous" nation, also recalling the common values and objectives, as well as the solid and historic relations between Madrid and Riyadh.
With respect to the new phase in relations with regional countries such as Iran and Syria, Al Rabeeah believes that it can "help" to promote peace in the Middle East. "Countries that support terrorists must be dealt with", said Al Rabeeah, who also noted that China "is playing an important role in stabilisation".
