Saudi and Sudan sympathise with US

Sept 6, 2005 (Riyadh) — Saudi Arabia and Sudan have offered their condolences to the United States over the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Saudi monarch King Abdallah expressed his sympathy during a meeting in the capital, Riyadh, with U.S. Homeland Security adviser Frances Townsend and offered the support if his oil-rich country.

In Sudan, the humanitarian affairs minister, Mohamed Yusuf, led a delegation of volunteer associations and non government organisations who visited the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Khartoum.

“We wish to express deep sorrow to the American people for the lives lost and material damages” caused, said Yusuf as he read from a letter delivered to the embassy.

Countries across the Middle East region have offered support to the United States, including Gulf states Kuwait and Qatar, which donated a combined US$600 million in relief aid.

AFP/ST