The Regional Director of World Food Program (WFP) for Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe Al-Dali Balqasmi said Saturday that granting the "Award of Global Champion for Fighting Hunger for 2008" to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud came in appreciation and recognition of the King's efforts in fighting hunger in the world which has been embodied in his donation to the Program with an amount of $ 500 million. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he said that the award is the simplest term of expressions of thanks to and appreciation of the King who is the champion and king of humanity and for the Kingdom's pioneering role in all humanitarian and relief aspects as well as its maintenance of security and peace in the world. Balqasmi noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been among the first countries in supporting the campaign launched by the World Food Program called "Lifeline Operation for Gaza" with an amount equivalent to SR 4 million. In another statement to SPA, the Program's Information Official and Spokesman Rashid Jaafar expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the King for his efforts in the field of humanitarian relief assistance provided for the needy people all over the world regardless of their race, religion and color. He said that the "Award of Global Champion for Fighting Hunger for 2008" has been granted to the King in recognition of his good efforts in support of the World Food Program.
