RIYADH: The International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) has awarded gold medal to the Kingdom in recognition of its efforts in rescue and relief operations carried out all over the world, especially during the recent floods in Pakistan. Lt. Gen. Saad Bin Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri, Director General of the Civil Defense, received the award during a meeting of the organization's Executive Council held recently in Geneva. The ICDO is an intergovernmental organization and its objective is to contribute to the development by states of structures ensuring the protection and assistance of population and safeguarding property and the environment from natural or man-made disasters. Dr. Bono, ICDO chief, said the Kingdom was awarded gold medal, the organization's top award, for its efforts in providing humanitarian and relief assistance to people affected by disasters around the world. He noted that King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has been in the forefront in doing philanthropist actions and providing assistance to disater-struck people of the world. He commended the performance of Saudi rescue team in Pakistan and its leading role in rescue and relief operations as well as assistance to people affected by the floods that swept a number of Pakistani cities.
