The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's weekly session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday.
At the outset of the session, the King expressed grief and sorrow of the Saudi people and the Muslim nation over the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz (mercy be upon his soul) and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless his soul and reward him for the services he carried out, including his expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, building of mosques, spreading of the Holy Quran, his efforts in serving Islam and Muslims and his prominent role in support of right and just causes at regional, Arab and international arenas.
''We and all the world have lost a unique leader who had dedicated himself to the achievement of comprehensive prosperity for the Kingdom and permanent welfare for his people, the support of righteousness, assistance to the oppressed, along with his brave and active contribution to the enhancement of peace, security and stability in the world,'' King Abdullah said.
The King emphasized that the Kingdom is committed to proceeding with the way that was founded by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and which was followed by his sons, the kings. The Kingdom has been adhering to the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah (Traditions) and has always recognized its great responsibilities as the land of revelation, mission and commitment to Arabs. It has been one of the most influential countries at various arenas.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information, Iyad bin Amin Madani said that King Abdullah affirmed that the Kingdom's policies at Arab, Islamic and international arenas will continue.
The King said: ''We are determined to continue the serious and ongoing work for the service of Islam, the achievement of all the good for our noble people, the support of Arab and Islamic issues, the enhancement of international peace and security and the growth of the world economy. We pray to Almighty Allah to help us in shouldering and fulfilling the responsibility.''
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his deep appreciation and thanks for the leaders and heads of delegations of Arab, Islamic and friendly countries for their noble feelings, deepest condolences and their stand by the Kingdom, which has shown their great respect for the Kingdom's leadership and people.
The King praised the honesty and nobility of the Saudi people who have been uniting around their leaders and affirming their allegiance in its sincerest form and meaning during a period of difficulties and misfortunes. He noted that this noble people should be appreciated and respected, stressing that the work should be achieved for their interests, prosperity, progress and promising future.
The Minister of Culture and Information added that the Cabinet reviewed the very important contents of the two speeches delivered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz last Wednesday on Pledge of Allegiance Day. The Cabinet's members offered their deepest condolences to the King, the Crown Prince, the Royal Family, Saudi people and all the nation on the death of thelate King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
The Minister noted that the King ordered the pardoning of the two Libyan detainees who were involved, according to proven evidence, in conspiracy against the Kingdom's stability and security. The pardon is because of the Kingdom's noble principles which are based on pursuit of unity and of bridging the rift. The King hoped that this gesture will provide positive motivation to unify Arab nations.
Then the Cabinet reviewed its agenda and took the relevant decisions:
The Cabinet agreed to add two new articles to the Anti-Forgery Regulation issued in accordance with the Royal Decree number 114, dated 26/11/1380 H.
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on bilateral political consultations between the Saudi and the Chinese foreign ministries.
The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Justice or his deputy to discuss with the Turkish side a draft agreement on Saudi-Turkish cooperation in the judicial field.
The Cabinet approved renewal of the membership of two businessmen to the board
of directors of the Railways General Authority.
The Cabinet approved the final account of the Saudi Development Fund.
The Cabinet approved 14th-grade appointments including the appointment of Prince Mohammad bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud to the office of "assistant undersecretary" at the Ministry of Interior.
