Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General chaired the Cabinet's weekly session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh on Monday.
At the outset of the session, Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of the outcomes of the visit recently paid by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard to the United States of America which demonstrated the willingness and desire of the two friendly countries to enhance and improve bilateral relations to the highest levels.
Prince Sultan pointed out that the joint statement issued following the meeting between the Crown Prince and President George W. Bush of the United States of America stressed strong friendly relations which started 60 years ago and have been based on respect, confidence and mutual interests.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Dr. Jubarah bin Eid Al-Suraisiri, the Minister of Transport and Acting Minister of Culture and Information, said that the Cabinet expressed its appreciation of the contents of the statement which included the desire of the US to work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as partners to complete negotiations with the World Trade Organization to ensure the Kingdom's accession to the organization before the end of this year.
The two sides affirmed their commitment to continuing intensive cooperation to eradicate terrorism and choke off its sources of support. They urged the international community to participate in the efforts exerted to combat terrorism.
The two countries looked for negotiating a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to set up two democratic states coexisting side by side in security and peace.
They also were committed to assisting the Iraqi people to achieve their aspirations for a secure, independent and united country which enjoys peace with neighboring countries and in which all segments of people take part in its institutions. In this regard, the Cabinet welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi government, hoping that this step will contribute to achieving Iraq's security, stability, unity and territorial integrity.
The minister added that the Cabinet welcomed Syria's announcement of the completion of the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanese territories, a fact which stressed Syria's commitment to its obligations and implementation of U.N. resolution 1559.
The Cabinet condemned the terrorist acts which took place in Cairo and targeted the innocent people and destroyed properties.
On domestic affairs, the Cabinet was briefed on reports of the effects of rain and floods in some of the Kingdom's regions recently and the damage inflicted on some areas. Prince Sultan conveyed to the concerned ministers the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz that necessary measures should be rapidly taken to relieve the suffering of citizens and to provide all needed assistance and support for them.
The Minister of Transport, who is also acting Minister of Culture and Information, said the Cabinet reviewed the local items on its agenda and issued the following decisions:
The Cabinet approved the regulations and special rules for private-sector-only bidding for the towing and seizure of crippled and damaged vehicles. The decision is aimed at curbing the phenomenon of neglected and stranded crippled cars found along roads and public parks in the Kingdom. According to the Cabinet, biddings for towing and seizure of crippled and damaged vehicles will be in accordance with government procurement insurance system. All employees working in this field should be Saudis. A neglected and abandoned vehicle should not be towed away until 15 days have elapsed from the posting of a notice on the vehicle advising its owner to deal with it, and the serving of a warning that if he did not contact the concerned authorities within 90 days of the date of its seizure, the vehicle will be put up for public auction.
The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to sign a draft agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as host and the Arab Establishment for Satellites seeking to obtain a base in the Kingdom. The agreement aims at granting the establishment the immunities, privileges and exemptions usually offered to regional organizations accredited to the Kingdom.
The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Transport or his deputy to sign a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of sea transportation in the Arab East to upgrade the efficiency and effectiveness of the activities and services of the sea transportation, ports and naval ports and enhance cooperation among maritime transportation departments in the member states. The final version of the agreement should be forwarded for further authentication.
The Council of Ministers approved the appointment of Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Nassir Alrasheed as Consultant for Military Works at the Ministry of Defense and Aviation and the transfer of Hilal bin Abdulrahman bin Hamad Alhilal from his current position as Assistant Undersecretary for Planning Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Information to the post of Assistant Undersecretaryfor Planning and Development Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj.
