Hawzah News Agency - A Turkish charity on Wednesday distributed food aid packages among vulnerable South Sudanese in the capital Juba.

More than 500 families are going to benefit from the 430 food packages distributed by Turkish organization Ab-i Hayat during Ramadan, a Muslim holy month.

Handing over the food packages, Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan Erdem Mutaf said Islam was a religion of peace and voiced hope for everybody to be in peace during the holy Ramadan.

"This is a token of love and friendship from the Turkish people. We will continue supporting the people of South Sudan," Mutaf said.

Abdallah Braj Rwal, head of the South Sudan Islamic Council, appreciated the Turkish government for its support to the people of South Sudan.

Katmala Ramadan Suleiman, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the Turkish government, saying: "This support is very important to us because it comes at a time when everything has become expensive in the country due to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."