KSrelief and FAO Discuss Food Security Cooperation

RIYADH — Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), met yesterday with Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting focused on enhancing joint efforts to strengthen food security, nutrition, and early recovery initiatives in vulnerable regions worldwide, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international humanitarian cooperation.

Context and Background

KSrelief, established in 2015 by royal decree, serves as Saudi Arabia’s primary humanitarian aid agency, delivering relief and development programs across more than 90 countries. The meeting with FAO’s regional leadership reflects the Kingdom’s proactive approach to addressing global food insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected and disaster-prone areas. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic strategy of fostering multilateral partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

Dr. Elwaer, an experienced agricultural economist, oversees FAO’s initiatives across the Near East and North Africa, a region facing significant challenges related to water scarcity and food import dependence. This dialogue builds on existing cooperation between KSrelief and FAO, which has previously collaborated on emergency food assistance and agricultural rehabilitation projects in Yemen, Sudan, and other nations.

Key Details

During the meeting, the two officials discussed areas of mutual interest, including the implementation of food security programs, nutritional support for women and children, and early recovery efforts in post-crisis settings. Eng. Al Baiz highlighted KSrelief’s professional mechanisms for project execution, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in delivering aid. Dr. Elwaer praised these mechanisms and commended the strong cooperation and coordination between both sides in support of humanitarian work, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The FAO official’s visit to KSrelief’s headquarters comes as the center expands its global outreach, with recent projects in Gaza, Lebanon, and several African nations. Both parties agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration, including technical exchanges and joint needs assessments in priority countries.

Implications and Impact

This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global food security governance. By aligning with FAO’s strategic framework, KSrelief can amplify its impact, reaching more beneficiaries with tailored interventions. The cooperation also strengthens Saudi soft power, showcasing the Kingdom as a reliable partner in addressing humanitarian crises.

Regionally, the dialogue signals continued Saudi engagement in the Near East and North Africa, where food insecurity remains a pressing concern. Enhanced collaboration could lead to more efficient distribution of aid, reduced duplication of efforts, and improved outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly in areas affected by conflict and climate change.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This meeting directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes international cooperation and sustainable development. By partnering with FAO, KSrelief contributes to global food security, a key pillar of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian aid, reflected in its status as one of the world’s largest donors, reinforces its role as a leader in fostering stability and prosperity beyond its borders. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its international engagements, such partnerships will be essential in achieving the Vision’s goal of building a vibrant society and a thriving economy.

20 Questions

Q1. Who met with FAO’s Assistant Director-General?

A1. Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs at KSrelief, met with Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO’s Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.

Q2. Where did the meeting take place?

A2. The meeting was held at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. When did the meeting occur?

A3. The meeting took place yesterday, as reported by SPA, with the article dated November 27, 2025.

Q4. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A4. The two sides discussed areas of mutual interest to strengthen food security, nutrition, and early recovery efforts in needy countries worldwide.

Q5. What is KSrelief?

A5. KSrelief, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian aid agency, established in 2015 to coordinate and deliver relief programs globally.

Q6. What is FAO?

A6. The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.

Q7. Who is Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer?

A7. Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer serves as FAO’s Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, overseeing FAO activities in that region.

Q8. What did Dr. Elwaer express during the meeting?

A8. He expressed admiration for KSrelief’s professional mechanisms and commended the strong cooperation and coordination between both sides.

Q9. Why is this meeting important for food security?

A9. It underscores collaboration between a major donor and a UN agency, potentially improving the efficiency of aid delivery and expanding support to vulnerable populations.

Q10. How does this align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. Vision 2030 emphasizes international cooperation and sustainable development; this partnership helps achieve those goals by addressing global challenges like hunger.

Q11. What regions are likely to benefit from this cooperation?

A11. Regions in the Near East and North Africa, and other needy countries, are likely to benefit from enhanced food security and nutrition programs.

Q12. What is the role of KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General?

A12. Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz oversees operations and programs at KSrelief, managing the implementation of humanitarian projects worldwide.

Q13. How does KSrelief implement its projects?

A13. KSrelief uses professional mechanisms, including needs assessments, partnerships, and transparent reporting to ensure effective delivery of aid.

Q14. What specific topics were discussed?

A14. The discussions focused on food security, nutrition, early recovery, and coordination mechanisms to support humanitarian work.

Q15. Has KSrelief worked with FAO before?

A15. The article suggests existing cooperation, as Dr. Elwaer commended the strong coordination between the two sides, indicating prior collaboration.

Q16. What is the significance of the location, Riyadh?

A16. Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and hub for diplomatic and humanitarian activities, reflecting the Kingdom’s central role in regional and global affairs.

Q17. How does this meeting impact Saudi Arabia’s global image?

A17. It enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a responsible global actor committed to humanitarian values and international development.

Q18. What is the next step after the meeting?

A18. The two sides will likely explore joint initiatives, possibly conducting needs assessments and implementing programs in priority countries.

Q19. Is there any funding commitment?

A19. The news release does not mention specific funding, but discussions may lead to future financial or technical support.

Q20. Where can readers find more information?

A20. Readers can refer to the original Saudi Press Agency release and official KSrelief and FAO announcements for further updates.

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