ISLAMABAD: Saudi Press Attaché Dr Naif Al-Otaibi said on Sunday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity, had emerged as a key nation in the safe evacuation of people from the crisis-hit Sudan, providing much-needed help and shelter to those affected by the ongoing crisis in the African country.
In an exclusive interview with APP, he said the Saudi leadership’s active response highlighted its pledge to humanitarian efforts and its essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of persons caught in dire circumstances.
Dr Naif Al-Otaibi said countless people had been disrupted, leaving many individuals vulnerable, and seeking refuge because of political unrest and social upheaval in the crisis-hit Sudan.
KSA’s positive role in Sudan crisis
Realizing the urgency of the current situation, Riyadh swiftly mobilised all resources and deployed aid teams in order to facilitate the evacuation process, he maintained. Dr Naif Al-Otaibi said that under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the government of Saudi Arabia coordinated with global organisations, including the Red Crescent Society and the UN, to organize safe and efficient evacuation routes for people of various nationalities.
He added this collaboration among these entities proved active in safeguarding that evacuee were transported securely to temporary shelters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Dr. Naif said that the Saudi government had established multiple reception centres equipped with essential facilities such as medical facilities, food, and psychosocial support services. These centres served as a shelter for those fleeing the violence in the crisis-hit Sudan, providing a safe haven where individuals could begin the process of rebuilding their lives, he added.
Sudan Crisis: World Leaders Laud Saudi Arabia’s role evacuation operations
Riyadh utilized its extensive logistical capabilities, including its well-established air transportation infrastructure in order to enhance the efficiency of evacuation operations, he maintained. The diplomat said that Saudi airlines, in coordination with global carriers, dedicated numerous flights to transporting evacuees from the African country to KSA, demonstrating its commitment to expediting the process and also ensuring the well-being of those people in need.
Dr Naif Al-Otaibi said the international community had also commended KSA’s admirable efforts in the evacuation, admitting its leadership’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian cause. Several top world leaders expressed their gratitude for the prompt and efficient response exhibited by Saudi Arabia, recognizing the positive impact it had brought in the lives of affected people, he said. As the situation in the African country continues to evolve, he said Riyadh remained steadfast in its determination to assist the Sudanese people.
Dr Naif Al-Otaibi said the nation’s commitment to ensuring their safety served as an inspiration to other nations and reinforced the importance of collective action in a crisis. He added KSA’s remarkable role in the evacuation of people from Sudan underlined the power of global cooperation and compassionate leadership. Through their selfless efforts, Saudi Arabia had not only saved lives of people but also offered hope to those in need, reminding the world of the enduring spirit of solidarity and empathy, he concluded.
