Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the International Conference on Somalia, currently taking place here, that Saudi Arabia was among the first countries that sought to bring about understanding among Somali rivals. Addressing the conference's opening session Thursday, Prince Saud confirmed that the Kingdom is still in contact with Somali forces that sincerely wish to end the crisis. He cited the Somali National Reconciliation Arrangement concluded in Jeddah in 2009 under the patronage of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Prince Saud appreciated Britain's efforts to host the event and wished the conference every success to help end the sufferings of the Somali people. Saudi Arabia still believes that, to reach a fair and comprehensive solution of the problem in Somalia, any proposal should attract all factions without discrimination, provided all rivals abide by the agreement. Saudi Arabia has several times donated money to alleviate the sufferings of Somali people, the last of which was about $70 million in addition to a telethon by the Saudi public worth more than $53 million in 2009 and 2011.
