Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Prime Minister, chaired on Tuesday the Cabinet's virtual session.

At the outset of the session, the Cabinet expressed appreciation of the brotherly and friendly countries as well as the regional and international organizations and commissions for denouncing the terrorist and subversive cowardly act that has targeted the oil refinery in Riyadh and their support for the measures being taken by the Kingdom to protect its assets and gains and preserve the world energy security.

In this context, the Cabinet reiterated its confirmation that such terrorist and subversive acts which have repeatedly been committed against vital facilities and civil objects, are targeting not only the Kingdom, but do target, in a wider zone, the security and stability of world energy supplies and economy. The Cabinet added that such acts represent a violation of international laws and norms, calling on the world countries and organizations to stand against them and confront whoever dares to commit them or provide support for them.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi pointed out that the Cabinet reviewed the overall issues and developments at the regional and international arenas, including the statement issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during its 147th session, citing the developments of the GCC joint action and ways of enhancing them as well as the developments of the current political issues in the region and the world at large.

The Cabinet considered the Kingdom's initiative to end the crisis in Yemen to reach a comprehensive political solution according to the three agreed upon references as a continuation of its concern for its security and stability and the region as well, in addition to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of its sisterly people. The Cabinet added that the initiative comes as a serious and practical support for peace and political efforts for Biel, Geneva, Kuwait and Stockholm consultations, noting, in this regard, that the Kingdom will have its full right to defend its territories, citizens and residents against the systematic attacks being carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militias targeting civil objects and vital installations. The Cabinet expressed absolute rejection of Iranian interventions in the region, a behavior that has resulted in prolonging the Yemeni crisis through supporting the Houthis with missiles and weapons in addition to contributing to developing all kinds of weapons and violating the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Dr. Al-Qasabi pointed out that the Cabinet expressed its condemnation of the continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, including the East Jerusalem and the demolition of Palestinian property and the resulting displacement. He also expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's affirmation, before the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, of its continued support for the Palestinian cause at all levels.

The Cabinet considered the success of launching Shaheen Sat and CubeSat satellites, as a result of the great support that research, development and innovation sector receives from the leadership and stimulating national competencies to move forward towards an industry of excellence, in specialized fields that will benefit development in various fields. The two Satellites were developed by a Saudi team, to serve scientific missions that contribute to enhancing the successes achieved by the Kingdom in the space sector.

The Cabinet followed up the developments of COVID-19 at the regional and international levels, and the latest statistics of the virus and vaccine, and the efforts by the competent authorities to preserve the safety of citizens and residents, and to have and inclusive community immunity.

The Cabinet was briefed on the issues on its agenda, including some co-studied by the Shura Council. The Cabinet was also briefed on the results reached by each of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the General Committee of the Cabinet, and the Cabinet's Bureau of Experts.

The Cabinet issued the following decisions:

First: The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the field of electricity interconnection.

Second: The Cabinet authorized Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance - or his representative - to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of Islamic affairs, between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Supreme Council of Muslims of the Republic of Madagascar.

Third: The Cabinet authorized Minister of Education - or his representative - to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of education and scientific research, between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

Forth: The Cabinet approved the formation of a committee on corporate social responsibility in the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, headed by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, membership of a number of relevant government agencies, and two representatives of the private sector.

Fifth: The Cabinet approved the final accounts of the Islamic University in Madinah and the University of Tabuk.

Sixth: The Cabinet approved extending the commitment contract of the Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) for a period of one year, starting from 7/1/1442 AH to 6/30/1443 AH.

Seventh: The Cabinet approved the appointment of two members to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Development Fund.

Eighth: The Cabinet approved the amendment of the Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage Regulations - issued by Royal Decree No. (M / 3) dated 1/9/1436 AH, as stated in the decision.

Ninth: The Cabinet approved a number of promotions at the 14 and 15 ranks, and appointed a number of ambassadors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Cabinet was briefed on a number of issues on its agenda and took relevant recommendations.