Saudi Arabia has delivered 23 metric tonnes of dates to northern Mozambique, providing critical food assistance to over 100,000 conflict-affected families as the country grapples with one of its worst food security crises in recent years.
The shipment, coordinated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), arrived at the Port of Nacala on Thursday and is being distributed in Cabo Delgado province where conflict and climate shocks have displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods.
“These dates will strengthen the diets of 100,000 people – especially women and children – and represent a meaningful gesture of solidarity from the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the people of Mozambique,” WFP country director Antonella D’Aprile said.
Mozambique faces a dire humanitarian situation, with five million people in need of urgent assistance and nearly 40 percent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition.
The date shipment – rich in essential nutrients – offers both immediate nourishment and a gesture of goodwill.
Saudi Arabia’s acting charge d’affaires to Mozambique, Mishaal Bin Shail described the gift as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
“The gift of dates is a quiet yet powerful symbol of goodwill reflecting shared values, strengthening the bonds of friendship between our nations and echoing a border spirit of care and solidarity that defines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s engagement with vulnerable communities”.
Between 2022 and 2024, Saudi Arabia provided 160 metric tonnes of dates to Mozambique, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s recovery and resilience.
JN/APA