Dubai: India has donated 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat worth USD 2 million as food assistance to the troubled Gulf state of Yemen.
In response to an appeal by the United Nations for humanitarian assistance, the Indian government has extended food assistance in the form of around 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat valued at around USD 2 million to the people of Yemen, a statement issued by the Indian embassy in Yemeni capital of Sana`a said.
The assistance is channelised through the World Food Programme (WFP) and the first consignment has arrived at the Hodeidah Port.
The consignment was handed over formally to the WFP by Mridul Kumar, Head of Gulf Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, during a brief ceremony, which was attended by senior Yemeni government officials.
"We are grateful to the government and people of India for providing this timely donation and we highly appreciate cooperation between WFP and India in delivering assistance to those in need," Yemen`s Minister of Planning and International cooperation Mohammed Al-Saadi said.
Yemeni first Deputy Minister said that "this donation marks yet another milestone in the long and historic relationship between Yemen and India."
"WFP will be able to provide life-saving assistance to 121,300 people for the next six months. This critical support will help alleviate the suffering caused by food insecurity across the country," Bishow Parajuli, WFP country director, said.
