RIYADH, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Sunday a joint initiative to offer 300 billion U.S. dollars in aid to Sudan.
According to a joint statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the assistance comes as part of the two countries' obligation toward the Sudanese people.
A total of 500 million dollars will be allocated as a deposit in the Sudanese Central Bank to protect the financial strength and stability of the country, while the remaining amount will be used to meet the Sudanese people's urgent needs for food, medicines and petroleum products.
Sudan has been suffering from fuel and wheat shortage in the last few months, leading to popular protests and the recent military ouster of President Omar al-Bashir.
