UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Friday the "landmark" 500-million-dollar contribution by Saudi Arabia to the world body's food agency to help fight the global food crisis.

    "This contribution completes the World Food Program's appeal target of 755 million dollars to respond to the rise in fuel and food costs," Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

    "The secretary-general notes that this contribution of an unprecedented size and generosity comes not a moment too soon, given the needs of millions of people dependent on food rations," the statement said.