A handout photo released by the Saudi Press Agency SPA 23 January 2015 shows the new King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abudlaziz al-Saud, as he addresses the nation for the first time as king, 23 January 2015, saying the country will continue to adhere to the orthodox approach under which the state was created. The former King, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, died in the early hours of 23 January, aged 90, after ruling since 2005 though he had been defacto ruler since 1995 when the then King Fahd, his half brother, suffered a stroke, he is succeeded by his half brother, 79 year old King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud. EPA/HO EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
RIYADH (RAHNUMA) Saudi Arabia, which currently holds the G20 presidency, has pledged $500 million to support global efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday.
The Kingdom will allocate $150 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation, $150 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and $200 million to other health organizations and programs, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
It also called on all countries, non-governmental organizations, philanthropies and the private sector to help close a financing gap estimated at over $8 billion to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
