Crown Prince chairs Cabinet session

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session held today, March 19, in Jeddah.

At the onset of the session, he briefed the Cabinet on his phone calls with President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni.

The Cabinet then reviewed the latest developments in the Arab, regional, and international scenes, reaffirming the Kingdom's consistent position and its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region and worldwide.

The Cabinet condemned the resumption of Israeli occupation forces’ aggression against the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of the international community assuming its responsibilities and taking immediate action to put an end to these crimes and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari stated that the Cabinet welcomed the completion of negotiations between the Republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia, resulting in a peace agreement.

However, the Cabinet commended the border demarcation agreement between the Republics of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, wishing these nations and their people continued progress and prosperity.

The Cabinet highlighted the launch of the Saudi Architecture Map, which features 19 architectural styles reflecting the Kingdom's geographical, natural, and cultural characteristics. This initiative aligns with efforts to celebrate architectural heritage, enhance quality of life, and develop urban landscapes in cities.

The session also addressed the progress of development and service projects, the enhancement of social care and protection systems, and the implementation of strategies to drive achievements, leverage resources, and meet national aspirations.

The Cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of the national economy, acknowledging the Kingdom's credit rating upgrades by global agencies. It also noted the ongoing structural reforms and economic diversification efforts, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Dosari also noted that the Cabinet commended the proactive security efforts in combating drug trafficking networks in collaboration with allied and friendly nations. The Cabinet specifically praised the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for thwarting an attempt to smuggle seven million amphetamine pills, based on intelligence provided by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior.

The Cabinet reviewed the items on its agenda, including those studied in coordination with the Shura Council, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the General Committee of the Cabinet, and the Bureau of Experts. Based on these discussions, several key decisions were made.

The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Interior, or a designated representative, to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Interior of Egypt in the areas of scientific, training, and research activities.

Additionally, it approved a cultural cooperation MoU between the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan.

In the economic sector, the Cabinet approved an MoU between the Ministry of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Investment of the Union of the Comoros for economic cooperation.

It also authorized the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, or a designated representative, to discuss and sign an MoU between the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) in Saudi Arabia and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in Qatar for cooperation in the real estate sector.

Further decisions included the approval of an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iceland to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income taxes, along with its accompanying protocol.

The Cabinet also approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, as well as two agreements between Saudi Arabia and the Republics of Suriname and Lithuania in the field of air transport services.

In the statistical and educational domains, the Cabinet approved an MoU between the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Regional Office of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for cooperation in the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

Additionally, an MoU was approved between the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) and the Ministry of Education and Educational System Reform of Mauritania for cooperation in assessment, evaluation, and accreditation tools.

The Cabinet also approved an MoU in technical and vocational training between the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) of Pakistan.

The Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors was authorized to discuss and sign an MoU with the Malaysian Institute of Internal Auditors for cooperation in internal auditing, governance, and compliance.

Furthermore, the Bankruptcy Committee was restructured with the appointment of new members: Badr bin Haddab, Abdulaziz Al-Dahim, Ahmed Al-Maghames, Waseem Al-Sourani, and Musab Al-Jamaz

The National Tobacco Control Committee was expanded to include the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO), the Public Health Authority, and the Coordination Committee for Tobacco Protection Associations.

The Cabinet also approved the final accounts of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA), the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), the National Competitiveness Center, and the National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center (MAEE) for the previous two fiscal years.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the promotion of Mohammed bin Omar bin Mohammed Al Wahaibi to the position of Business Consultant (Grade 14) at the Ministry of Interior and Manahi Al-Shammari to the position of General Director (Grade 14) at the Ministry of Health.

The Cabinet also reviewed several general topics, including annual reports from the General Authority for Defense Development (GADD), the SIDF, and the Universities of Jazan and Najran, and took appropriate action regarding them.