World Food Programme to resume food aid in Yemen’s Sanaa

WFP maintained their nutrition programs for malnourished children, pregnant and nursing mothers during the halt of aid distribution. (File/AFP)
Updated 09 August 2019
Follow

World Food Programme to resume food aid in Yemen’s Sanaa

  • The agency paused some of their aid in Sanaa out of concern that food was not delivered to the vulnerable
  • They plan to put biometrics in place to ensure the aid reaches those in most need

GENEVA: The World Food Programme said on Friday it is resuming food distributions next week for 850,000 people in Yemen’s capital Sanaa after a two-month halt following an agreement with Houthi authorities.

The UN agency halted some aid in the Yemeni capital on June 20 out of concern that food was being diverted from vulnerable people, but said it would maintain nutrition programs for malnourished children, pregnant and nursing mothers.

In a statement issued on Friday, it said it would resume food distributions following Eid al Adha next week. “WFP is confident that putting in place biometrics will ensure food gets to the most deserving people and that diversion of vital food assistance is prevented,” it said.


GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran

Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran

  • KONO Taro, head of the LDP’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials
  • Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation

TOKYO: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ambassadors met on Tuesday with leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to explore deeper collaboration across multiple fields and tackle pressing issues related to Iran.

KONO Taro, head of the party’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials.

Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation.

Ambassador Binzagr emphasized that during periods of heightened tension, open dialogue with trusted partners like Japan is essential. He noted that diplomacy and clear communication are vital for defusing conflict and maintaining regional stability.

Saudi Ambassador Binzagr further noted that the Gulf countries and Japan share a longstanding history of cooperation founded on mutual trust and common objectives of stability and prosperity. He stated, “In times such as these, it is precisely these enduring partnerships that allow constructive dialogue to prevail, and that help ensure that wisdom and restraint guide the path toward peace and stability in our region."

Kono underscored the strong bonds and active cooperation between Japan and the GCC, noting that Japan views its ties with the GCC as a strategic partnership.