Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, on Monday chaired the Cabinet’s weekly meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet condemned the terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah today, reiterating the Kingdom’s determination to combat all forms of terrorism. The Cabinet praised the continued efforts of the Kingdom’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.
The Cabinet was then briefed on talks between the Crown Prince and Jordan’s King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein which focused on recent developments in Arab, Islamic and international arenas, particularly the situation in Iraq and Palestine, and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
On the situation in Iraq, the Cabinet expressed its great regret over the killing of innocent people and the destruction of Iraqi infrastructure, and urged all Iraqis to unite and work together to promote security and stability.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the meeting, Minister of Culture and Information Dr Fouad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy said that the Cabinet discussed developments in Palestine and the transfer of authority to boost the role and legitimacy of political institutions and the unity of the Palestinian people. The Cabinet expressed hope that the International Quartet Committee will effectively work to reinstate the peace process in accordance with the principles and requirements of the ‘Road Map’ and to facilitate the Palestinian political process.
The Cabinet then discussed items on its domestic agenda and issued the following decisions:
The Minister of Finance or his deputy was authorized to sign a draft agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on mutual protection and encouragement of investments. The final version of the agreement will be forwarded for further approval.
The Cabinet approved a bill allowing the private sector to produce and sell educational aids. The bill permits manufacturing, locally or abroad, of educational products that do not contradict the Shariah law, government policies or educational policies. Fines of up to SR200,000 will be imposed on those who violate the law. Within 180 days from the date of publication of the law, the Minister of Education will issue the executive charter that will nullify all previous regulations that contradict the bill.
The Cabinet approved the appointment of Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Sibayel as Director General for Municipal Council Affairs at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Dr Jameel bin Mahmoud bin Mohammed Mirdad as Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the transfer of Saud bin Ali bin Abdullah Abdul Aziz from his post as Director General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Youth Welfare Organisation to the post of Assistant Undersecretary of the General President of Youth Welfare for Sports Affairs at the Presidency of Youth Welfare; and the appointment of Fahd bin Mohammed bin Bani Al-Gahtani as Director General for administrative and Financial Affairs, which has become vacant after the transfer of its occupant.
Source: SPA
