Jeddah,25.8.09 H.E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), received today at the bank's headquarters in Jeddah H.E. Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Governor of the Islamic Development Bank for the Republic of Somalia and his delegation. H.E. Sheikh Adam expressed thanks and appreciation to the President of the IDB for the considerable and sustained efforts made by the Bank to support economic and social development of the Ummah, as well as supporting the Somali people in different circumstances. He touched on the security situation in Somalia, expressing desire for more cooperation between his country and the Bank and other leaders in the Islamic world to provide aid and assistance to the Somali people to overcome the effects of war. The Minister expressed his country's desire to cooperate with the Bank in the area of exports of livestock from Somalia. He also sought the Bank’s help for providing food and medical aid to the Somali people. The President of the Bank assured him that the Bank did not at any stage cut off aid for the Somali people, whereas it continued to provide food aid and medical assistance. The Bank is contributing to the development and rehabilitation of some hospitals in Mogadishu. It supports the Somali education sector and is currently establishing eight schools. He also expressed the Bank’s support for the export of Somali livestock. Dr. Ali pledged provision of food and medical aid to Somalia on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.