MOSCOW, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russia will grant an additional 2 million U.S. dollars to the World Food Programme to provide food aid to Syria, according to an order signed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and officially published Monday.

The fund will be used to purchase food in Russia and pay for its shipment to Syria, the order said.

In September, Russia granted 3 million dollars to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) meant for restoring the agricultural sector of the war-torn country.

According to the FAO, 6.5 million Syrians are facing acute hunger, while investment in agriculture will be vital for Syria's stability and recovery.