Saudi considers Egypt aid request

Saudi ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Qattan Cairo – Al Deeb Abu Ali Saudi ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Qattan, has revealed that his country is analysing a report handed to them by Egyptian officials detailing their financial needs over the next 12 months. Qattan told reporters in Cairo that Egypt's interim prime minister Hazem el-Beblawi had also given the financial report to United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia has also pledged to give Egypt $5 billion in aid. The total sum required by Egypt for the next 12 months is listed as $12bn. The Egyptian government is keen to avoid imposing austerity measures, as it seeks to improve the economy.