ISLAMABAD: In a continuation of annual tradition, Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan with 150 tons of dates on Friday for distribution among the needy people.
These dates were given on the instruction of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki formally handed over the dates on Friday to the representative of the Pakistan government in Islamabad.
“Everyone knows that Saudi Arabia is the pioneer in charity works, viewing it as its religious and moral duty to support brotherly countries, especially Pakistan,” the embassy said. “The Kingdom has never faltered to support the economies of Muslims and friendly countries without any discrimination.
“The Kingdom has long been a regional leader in humanitarian affairs and has demonstrated a profound commitment to support those most in need around the world.”
The statement added: “With almost 1.9 percent of Saudi Arabia’s gross national income, more than 80 countries have benefited from development assistance provided by Saudi Arabia in the form of humanitarian, development and grant assistance based on the injunctions of Allah Almighty and sayings of the Holy Prophet.”
As an annual tradition Saudi Arabia gives 150 tons of dates to Pakistan
As an annual tradition Saudi Arabia gives 150 tons of dates to Pakistan
Italian PM pledges to deepen cooperation with African states
- The plan, launched in 2024, aims to promote investment-led cooperation rather than traditional aid
ADDIS ABABA: Italy pledged to deepen cooperation with African countries at its second Italy-Africa summit, the first held on African soil, to review projects launched in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure during Italy’s first phase of the Mattei Plan for Africa.
The plan, launched in 2024, aims to promote investment-led cooperation rather than traditional aid.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed dozens of African heads of state and governments in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and reiterated that a successful partnership would depend on Italy’s “ability to draw from African wisdom” and ensure lessons are learned.
“We want to build things together,” she told African heads of state. “We want to be more consistent with the needs of the countries involved.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Italy had provided Africa with a gateway to Europe through these partnerships.
“This is a moment to move from dialogue to action,” he said.
“By combining Africa’s energetic and creative population with Europe’s experience, technology, and capital, we can build solutions that deliver prosperity to our continents and beyond.”
After the Italy-Africa summit concluded, African leaders remained in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union Summit.
Kenyan writer and political analyst Nanjala Nyabola said tangible results from such summits depend on preparations made by countries.
African governments often focus on “optics instead of actually making summits a meaningful engagement,” she said.
Instead of waiting for a list of demands, countries should “present the conclusions of an extended period of mapping the national needs” and engage in dialogue to determine how those needs can be met.
Since it was launched two years ago, the Mattei Plan has directly involved 14 African nations and has launched or advanced around 100 projects in crucial sectors, including energy and climate transition, agriculture and food security, physical and digital infrastructure, healthcare, water, culture and education, training, and the development of artificial intelligence, according to the Italian government.
