Politics
The Insurance Authority was added to the membership of the Standing Committee for Combating Money Laundering
The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved the transfer of the authority to issue licenses
The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved the transfer of authority for issuing licenses for accounting and auditing professions, non-securities financial consulting, zakat and tax services, and accounting services from the Ministry of Commerce to the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). It also approved amendments to several articles of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law and the regulations governing SOCPA. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Insurance Authority as a member of the Permanent Committee for Combating Money Laundering.
The Crown Prince briefed the Council, in its session today (Tuesday), on the results of his meeting with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on the content of his talks with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and on the content of the telephone call he received from the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.
Strengthening bridges of communication with the world
Minister of Information Salman Al-Dossari explained that the Council then discussed the latest developments in cooperation between the Kingdom and the countries of the world and its organizations, and the progress in joint work aimed at strengthening communication and coordination, and contributing to everything that would establish international security and stability, and provide supportive conditions for the development and prosperity of the region and all its peoples.
The Council praised the results achieved in the (second) meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Kingdom and Japan, which embodied the strength of bilateral relations and the mutual desire to elevate them to broader horizons in various fields, in order to achieve the interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples.
Combating extremism, terrorism and crime
The Council considered the Kingdom’s hosting of the regional headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization as a step that strengthens the work of (Interpol) in the Middle East and North Africa region, and an affirmation of the international appreciation for this country and its prominent role in combating extremism, terrorism and crime in all its forms.
The Minister of Information stated that the Cabinet discussed regional and global developments and the international efforts being made regarding them, stressing what was included in the statement issued by the consultative meeting of the Arab Six on Palestine, which was held with the participation of the Kingdom, in terms of confirmations of support for the efforts being made to sustain the ceasefire agreement, ensure the arrival of more humanitarian and relief aid, and the safe return of displaced civilians to their lands in the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia is an attractive destination for real estate investment.
The Council reviewed the outcomes of the economic gatherings held in Riyadh during the past few days, praising in this context the success achieved by the International Labor Market Conference, and the signing of 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding between government agencies and private companies, to serve more than 300,000 beneficiaries within the efforts to empower national cadres and increase their participation in development, in order to achieve the objectives of (the Kingdom’s Vision 2030).
The Council noted the high-level international participation in the fourth edition of the Future Real Estate Forum, and the signing of a number of agreements and deals that will contribute to the growth and development of the sector and to benefiting from its future opportunities and prospects, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s regional and global position as an attractive destination for real estate investment.
decisions
The Council reviewed the topics on its agenda, including those studied jointly by the Shura Council. It also reviewed the conclusions reached by the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, the General Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the Council of Ministers' Experts Committee on these topics. The Council concluded that:
- Approval of a cooperation agreement for the exchange of personal data and information for security purposes and its protection between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Qatar.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding regarding political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the mutual exemption from short-term residence visas for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.
- Authorizing the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance - or his representative - to discuss with the Tanzanian side the draft memorandum of understanding in the field of Islamic affairs between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the United Republic of Tanzania, and to sign it.
- Approval of two Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of social development between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the State of Kuwait.
- Approval of the draft cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum to implement the project (Securing Minerals for Global Development and Prosperity), and authorizing the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources - or his representative - to sign it.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in health fields between the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Public Health in the Republic of Cuba.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Maldives in the field of airports and seaplanes.
- Authorizing the Minister of Information, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Broadcasting and Television Authority - or his representative - to discuss with the Turkmen side the draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of radio and television between the Broadcasting and Television Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinema in the Republic of Turkmenistan, and to sign it.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the General Directorate of Financial Investigations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the Presidency of State Security, and the Financial Control Unit of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, regarding cooperation in the exchange of investigations related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and related crimes.
- Approval of the final accounts of the Eastern Region Development Authority, the General Authority for Statistics, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, and the National Community Development Program in the regions for a previous fiscal year.
Upgrades:
Approval of promotions to the (fourteenth) rank, as follows:
- Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khathlan was promoted to the position of (Business Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Interior.
- Badr bin Othman bin Nasser Abu Humaid was promoted to the position of (Security Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Interior.
- Ziyad bin Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Baz was promoted to the position of (Media Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Interior.
- Fouad bin Saud bin Omair Al-Omari was promoted to the position of (General Manager) at the (fourteenth) rank in the General Presidency of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The Cabinet also reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda, including annual reports from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Hail Region Development Authority, and the General Authority for Food and Drug, and the Cabinet took the necessary action regarding those topics.
Politics
Saudi leadership offers condolences to Thailand for the victims of the tragic train accident
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince sent a cable of condolences to the King of Thailand regarding the victims of the crane accident on a train, in a gesture reflecting the depth of Saudi-Thai relations.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent cables of condolence and sympathy to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King of the Kingdom of Thailand, regarding the victims of the crane accident on a train in the northeast of the country, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.
General context and historical background
This humanitarian gesture from the Saudi leadership comes within the context of the remarkably flourishing diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Thailand. After a period of diplomatic estrangement that lasted for three decades, bilateral relations reached a historic turning point in January 2022 with the announcement of the full resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries. This rapprochement culminated in reciprocal visits at the highest levels and opened up broad prospects for cooperation in multiple fields, including the economy, energy, tourism, and labor. The message of condolence is not merely a protocolary gesture, but rather an affirmation of the strength of these new ties and the two countries' desire to enhance them at all levels, including standing by each other in times of hardship.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically in Thailand, this tragic accident has once again brought to the forefront safety standards at construction sites and major projects. Like other emerging economies in Southeast Asia, Thailand is experiencing a boom in infrastructure development, including railway networks. Such accidents raise public and media concerns, prompting authorities to review occupational safety procedures and project oversight to ensure they are not repeated.
On both the regional and international levels, the message of condolence from Saudi Arabia, a major power in the Middle East and the Islamic world, carries significant political weight. It reinforces the Kingdom's image as a trusted partner and friend of Thailand, and underscores the humanitarian dimension of its foreign policy. This gesture also contributes to strengthening the positive relations recently established, which will positively impact future cooperation between the two countries in various international forums and enhance the stability of relations between the Arabian Gulf region and Southeast Asia.
Politics
Iran protests see massive death toll... official reveals 5,000
An Iranian official told Reuters that the death toll from the recent protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini had reached 5,000, including 500 members of the security forces.
In a shocking statement reported by Reuters, an Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the confirmed death toll from the recent nationwide protests has reached at least 5,000. The official clarified that this number includes approximately 500 members of the security forces killed during the clashes.
Background of the protests and their historical context
This wave of protests, the largest and most challenging to the Iranian regime in years, erupted in September 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Amini had been detained by Tehran's morality police for allegedly violating the strict hijab laws. She fell into a coma shortly after her arrest and died three days later. Her death sparked widespread public outrage, and her funeral in her hometown of Saqqez, a Kurdish city, became the catalyst for nationwide demonstrations under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," demanding an end to social repression and greater freedoms.
Details of the official statement and its implications
According to the Iranian official, authorities have blamed what they called “terrorists and armed rioters” for the violence and the killing of “innocent Iranians.” He noted that some of the fiercest clashes and highest death tolls were recorded in predominantly Kurdish areas of northwestern Iran, where separatist groups are active. The official also accused foreign entities, specifically “Israel and armed groups abroad,” of providing financial and military support to the protesters with the aim of destabilizing the country. Despite the high death toll, the official ruled out the possibility of the final number rising significantly above this estimate.
Importance and impact at both the local and international levels
These protests posed an unprecedented challenge to the Islamic Republic, revealing the depth of popular discontent with the deteriorating economic conditions and social and political restrictions. Internationally, the government's crackdown was met with widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and Western countries. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iranian officials and entities involved in human rights abuses, further isolating Tehran diplomatically and impacting negotiations regarding its nuclear program. This figure, if confirmed by independent sources, represents one of the highest death tolls in the history of protests against the Iranian regime, reflecting the scale of the crisis facing the country.
Politics
The Syrian army controls the Al-Omar and Koniko oil fields in eastern Syria
In a major development on the ground, Syrian forces seized control of the Al-Omar oil field and the Conoco gas field in Deir ez-Zor, dealing a strong blow to the Syrian Democratic Forces.
In a significant development on the ground, official and security sources announced that Syrian government forces have taken full control of the al-Omar oil field, the largest in Syria, as well as the strategic Conoco gas field. This takeover, in Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, comes after fierce clashes with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a major turning point in the struggle for resources in the region.
To understand the dimensions of this event, it is necessary to return to the broader context of the Syrian conflict. Since the outbreak of the crisis, the oil and gas fields in eastern Syria have been a strategic target for all warring parties. After ISIS seized control of these fields and used them as a primary source of funding, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with air and logistical support from the US-led international coalition, were able to expel the group and take control of these resource-rich areas. The revenues from these fields constituted the main source of income for the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration, enabling it to finance its military and administrative operations in northern and eastern Syria.
The Syrian army's recent advance was not a coincidence, but rather the result of exploiting existing tensions between the Arab population, which constitutes the majority in Deir ez-Zor, and the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). According to sources, the advance of local Arab tribal fighters greatly facilitated the government forces' mission, allowing them to rapidly deploy across an area exceeding 150 kilometers along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, from the border town of Baghouz with Iraq to key towns such as al-Shuhail and al-Basira.
The government forces' gains were not limited to energy fields, but extended to other strategic locations. Earlier, the Syrian army seized the northern city of Tabqa and the adjacent Euphrates Dam, as well as the Freedom Dam (formerly known as the Baath Dam), vital facilities that control the region's water resources and electricity generation.
This loss is a devastating economic and military blow to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stripping them of their most important assets and sources of funding, and weakening their future negotiating position. Domestically, this control provides the Syrian government with a significant economic boost, supplying it with much-needed energy resources to mitigate the effects of sanctions and the crippling economic crisis. Regionally and internationally, this development represents a victory for the Damascus-Tehran-Moscow axis and, conversely, poses a major challenge to the US strategy in Syria, which relies heavily on supporting the SDF as a local partner. The full ramifications of this shift on the ground remain unclear, but it will undoubtedly redraw the map of influence and control in eastern Syria.
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