Dr Jacques Diouf, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) awarded the 1997 International Agriculture Gold Medal to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The award recognized the Kingdom's role in agricultural development, the achievement of food security and the Saudi contribution to combating hunger and poverty in developing countries.

Dr Diouf said the Kingdom had been able to transform large areas of the desert into green land through perfect planning, sincere efforts and strong will.

In recognition of the Kingdom's success, enabling it to export agricultural products to many parts of the world, the FAO awarded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd, its highest medal, for his commitment to agricultural development.

Diouf also praised the Kingdom's role in helping developing countries through direct and indirect aid and supporting international organizations which extend help to such states.

During the last two decades, the Kingdom (which used to import 90% of its food requirements) had started exporting many crops and food products.