Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard chaired the Cabinet's session held at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah today.
At the beginning of the meeting, in the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz and in his own name, the Crown Prince expressed his congratulations, best wishes and sincerest feelings for the Kingdom and its citizens on the 73rd anniversary of the Kingdom's National Day which falls on Tuesday, September 23.
The Crown Prince praised Almighty God for bestowing blessings on the Kingdom, notably Islam, security and stability.
The Crown Prince stressed that this great anniversary reminds us of the outstanding achievements of the founder, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and his loyal men, achievements crowned by the announcement of the unification of the country under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1351 AH. The unification concluded a long process of struggle which started with the recapture of Riyadh in 1319 AH. That was the beginning of the Kingdom - enhanced by unity, cohesion and cooperation, based on tolerant Islam and the great Arab and Islamic heritage.
On the occasion of the National Day, we should make a fresh start to confront current difficulties. The challenges faced by the late King Abdul Aziz compelled his nation to establish this solid entity. The best way to remember the late King is to devote ourselves anew to strengthen this country and fortify it in facing current and dangerous challenges, the Crown Prince said.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Fouad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy said that, while the Crown Prince was recalling this bright history of the Kingdom's march, he affirmed that the current situation, the sedition faced by the Arab and Islamic nations and the plots hatched against them, including this country, necessitate a united effort to stand firmly and seriously against anyone trying to harm the religion, the homeland and its achievements.
The Crown Prince emphasized the importance of utilizing this occasion, dear to all, officials and citizens, to strictly review all achievements; to be faithful to the country through good and constructive actions, giving the highest priority to national unity and cohesion between the people and leadership to achieve further welfare, prosperity, and stability in all parts of the Kingdom; and to continue our efforts with brotherly and friendly countries to enhance security and peace in the world.
The Cabinet was then briefed on the contents of consultations, contacts and meetings held during the previous days with the leaders and officials of fraternal and friendly countries and dealt with the latest developments in the region and the world.
Dr. Al-Farsy said the Cabinet then reviewed the domestic items on its agenda and took the following decisions:
The Cabinet approved a recommendation by the Shoura Council on the accession of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the World Tourism Organization. The Kingdom will fully abide by the Organization's statutes where these do not contradict Sharia law and valid regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The President of Youth Welfare or his deputy was authorized to sign the Copenhagen Declaration for combating sports-related drug taking practices.
The Cabinet approved the economic agreement among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), signed during the meetings of the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman, on December 31, 2001.
The Cabinet amended Article "Secondly" of the Royal Decree issued in 1407 AH, regarding the duration of the membership of government bodies and other organizations representatives of boards of directors of public establishments as follows: The membership of boards of directors of public establishments, delegated by government or other organizations, will be limited to three years, renewable for one single duration only. Executive senior officials, such as governor or director general, are exempted from this restriction.
The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Transport or his deputy to discuss with the Tunisian side the drafting of two agreements: one on cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Tunisia in the field of maritime transportation, and the other on the organization of carrying passengers and goods on roads. The Minister or his deputy was also authorized to sign the agreements later and forward them for further authentication.
Source: SPA
