Politics
Cabinet approves amendment to the regulations of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today (Tuesday) in Riyadh.
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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today (Tuesday) in Riyadh.
At the beginning of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the content of the meeting between Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, during which bilateral relations and ways to develop them were reviewed, in addition to discussing developments in the region and the efforts made towards them.
The Council discussed the latest developments in cooperation between the Kingdom and the countries of the world and its organizations, and the steps and achievements made in joint work that will contribute to strengthening regional and international ties, supporting efforts aimed at consolidating security, stability and development, and serving Arab causes.
In this context, the Council welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution requesting the opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate aid to the Palestinians from the United Nations and international countries and bodies, appreciating the positive stance of the countries that voted for the resolution submitted by Norway in partnership with the Kingdom.
On the domestic front, the Cabinet approved amending the regulations of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority, as stated in the decision.
Working to pave the way for a political future for Sudan
Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari explained in his statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session that the Council reiterated what the Kingdom had affirmed during the third consultative meeting between multilateral organizations sponsoring peace initiatives in Sudan, regarding the necessity of ending the conflict, enhancing the humanitarian response in this brotherly country, and working to pave the way for a political future that guarantees its security and stability, and preserves its unity, sovereignty and independence.
The Council commended the results of the first session of the Arab Cyber Security Ministers Council, which was established based on a proposal submitted by the Kingdom, stemming from its firm principle of preserving Arab security and coordinating joint efforts in all matters that would preserve the interests of Arab countries and protect their capabilities.
Significant progress in measuring digital transformation
The Cabinet noted the significant progress made by government agencies in measuring digital transformation for 2024, thus embodying the desired aspirations towards continuing to develop services provided to citizens, residents and visitors, improving the quality of life, further facilitating business operations, enabling competitiveness and rising to advanced levels in international indicators and classifications.
The Minister of Information stated that the Council praised the content of the economic, cultural and media conferences and events held during the past days in Riyadh, which has become an international destination for science, knowledge, investment and innovation in various fields, based on the comprehensive renaissance that the Kingdom has achieved on all levels.
decisions:
The Council reviewed the topics on its agenda, including topics that the Shura Council had participated in studying. 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 regarding these topics. The Council concluded the following:
- Authorizing the Minister of Interior - or his representative - to discuss with the Tajik and Pakistani sides the two draft memoranda of understanding for cooperation in the field of civil defense and civil protection between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and each of the governments of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and to sign them.
- Approval of the draft memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of the Saudi-Spanish Coordination Council, authorizing the Minister of Foreign Affairs to sign it, and to discuss with the Spanish side the unification of existing and joint cooperation mechanisms between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain in various fields.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the cultural field between the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in the State of Kuwait.
- Authorizing the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture - or his representative - to discuss with the Iraqi side the draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Iraq in the field of water resources, and to sign it.
- Authorizing the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development - or his representative - to discuss and sign the draft framework agreement for cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization regarding the Junior Professional Officers and Secondment Programmes.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding between Umm Al-Qura University, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Authorizing the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification - or his representative - to discuss with the Chinese side the draft memorandum of understanding between the Center and the Gansu Institute for Desertification Control Research in the People’s Republic of China, in the field of desertification, and to sign it.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of serving the Arabic language between the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
- Approval of the amendment to the regulations of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority, as stated in the decision.
– Approval of the transformational strategy for the Institute of Public Administration.
Appointments and Promotions
Approval of two promotions and two appointments to the (fifteenth) and (fourteenth) ranks, as follows:
- Saad bin Nasser bin Mohammed Al-Rabee’ was promoted to the position of (General Manager) at the (fifteenth) rank in the Air Defense Forces.
- Appointing Sami bin Nasser bin Ibrahim Al-Saeed to the position of (Senior Advisor on Teaching Methods) at the (fifteenth) rank in the Ministry of Education.
- Promoting Jubran bin Mufreh bin Mohammed Samman to the position of (Business Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of the National Guard.
- Appointing Othman bin Ibrahim bin Othman Al-Othman to the position of (Educational Methods Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Education.
The Cabinet also reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda, including annual reports from the Ministries of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Education, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the General Entertainment Authority, the General Auditing Bureau, the National Center for Privatization, the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector, the Decision Support Center, and the National Program for Community Development in the Regions. The Cabinet took the necessary action regarding these topics.
Infographic.
"From the Council's decisions"
1- Welcoming the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution on Israel’s obligations to facilitate aid to the Palestinians, and appreciating the positive stance of the countries that voted for the resolution submitted by Norway in partnership with the Kingdom.
2- Reaffirming the Kingdom’s emphasis on the need to end the conflict in Sudan and enhance the humanitarian response in this brotherly country.
3- Commending the results of the first session of the Arab Cyber Security Ministers Council, which was established based on a proposal from the Kingdom.
4- Noting the significant progress made by government agencies in measuring digital transformation for the year 2024, thus embodying the desired aspirations.
5- Establishing a Saudi-Spanish coordination council, cooperation in civil defense with Pakistan and Tajikistan, cultural cooperation with Kuwait, and a memorandum of understanding with Iraq on water resources.
Politics
The Crown Prince receives a message from the President of Kazakhstan to enhance bilateral cooperation
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from the President of Kazakhstan concerning bilateral relations, which was received by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received an important written message from His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The message focused on ways to strengthen and develop the close bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and to propel them towards broader horizons in various fields.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the message during his official meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
The depth of Saudi-Kazakh relations
This message comes amidst the active diplomatic efforts underway in relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, two countries bound by deep-rooted historical ties based on shared values and mutual respect. These relations are gaining increasing importance in light of global geopolitical and economic shifts, as Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and a key strategic partner for the Kingdom in this vital region.
Prospects for economic and investment cooperation
Economically, the two countries possess tremendous potential for cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Both Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan are major global oil producers and active members of the OPEC+ alliance, which strengthens their joint coordination to ensure the stability of global energy markets. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 opens up vast opportunities for mutual investments in mining, infrastructure, food security, and renewable energy, aligning with Kazakhstan's development goals.
The importance of political coordination
On the political front, the exchange of messages between the two leaderships reflects a mutual commitment to continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest. The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in promoting stability in the Middle East, while Kazakhstan serves as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, making the strengthening of their partnership a cornerstone of security and stability in both regions.
The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Faisal Al-Qahtani, reflecting the high-level diplomatic interest in the outcomes of this meeting and the future steps that will result from it to strengthen the strategic partnership.
Politics
New Mexico investigation into Epstein's ranch: details of the historic decision
New Mexico opens a formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. Learn about the legislative committee's efforts to uncover human trafficking networks.
In a decisive legal and legislative move, lawmakers in the US state of New Mexico passed new legislation aimed at launching a comprehensive and extensive investigation into the events that transpired behind the walls of Zorro Ranch, the sprawling estate associated with the late disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This step comes in response to growing demands from human rights groups and the public for transparency regarding the network Epstein operated in secrecy.
Bipartisan fact-finding committee
Under the new legislation, a special bipartisan commission will be formed in the state legislature. This commission will have broad powers to gather evidence, subpoena witnesses, and, most importantly, provide a secure platform for survivors to testify about the egregious abuse they suffered at the ranch. The ranch is located in a remote area about 48 kilometers south of Santa Fe, which for many years kept it largely out of scrutiny.
"Zorro Ranch": The Mysterious Castle
This ranch holds particular significance in the context of federal and local investigations, as it spans thousands of acres and includes a sprawling mansion and a private airstrip. The property has long been suspected of being a major hub for the human trafficking operations with which Epstein was accused. This move is the first of its kind at the state level to directly target activities that took place on the property, aiming to determine whether local individuals or others facilitated or covered up these crimes.
A complex historical and legal context
This investigation comes at a time when the Jeffrey Epstein case continues to generate widespread international controversy, particularly following his death in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019, officially ruled a suicide. This effectively prevented a trial that would have revealed many secrets. However, the recent release of court documents related to Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit against Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, has brought the case back into sharp focus, revealing a vast network of connections involving politicians, financiers, and celebrities.
The importance of the investigation and its expected impact
Observers believe the New Mexico investigation holds immense symbolic and legal significance. It not only seeks to hold accountable potential perpetrators who may have escaped federal scrutiny, but also aims to close the legal loopholes that allowed these abuses to continue for years. Furthermore, the investigation sends a powerful message of support to the victims, affirming that justice does not expire and that the death of the main suspect does not mean the case is closed as long as there are survivors demanding their rights.
Politics
Saudi Arabia and seven other countries condemn the escalation of settlement activity in the West Bank
Saudi Arabia and seven other countries issued a joint statement condemning Israel's classification of lands in the West Bank as "state lands," warning of the undermining of the two-state solution and calling for urgent international intervention.
In a unified diplomatic move reflecting the seriousness of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the foreign ministers of eight countries – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Turkey, the Republic of Indonesia, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan – issued a joint statement expressing their strong condemnation of the recent Israeli decisions concerning the Palestinian territories.
Unprecedented escalation of settlement activity since 1967
The ministers condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s move to designate large areas of land in the occupied West Bank as “state land.” The statement noted that these actions include approving the commencement of land registration and settlement procedures, a dangerous step being taken for the first time since the occupation of the West Bank in 1967. The ministers considered this move a flagrant violation of international law and an escalation aimed at legitimizing and expanding settlements at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people.
Violation of international laws and resolutions
The joint statement affirmed that these measures fundamentally violate international humanitarian law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own population into the territory it occupies or altering its geographic and demographic character. The ministers also stressed that these practices constitute a blatant challenge to relevant UN Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 2334, which affirms the illegality of settlements in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
In a related context, the ministers pointed out that the Israeli decision contradicts the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which clarified the legal implications of Israeli policies, stressing the illegality of any measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status of the occupied territory, and the need to end the occupation and prohibit the seizure of land by military force.
Risks of undermining the two-state solution
The foreign ministers of the eight countries warned of the political and security repercussions of these steps, emphasizing that they aim to impose a new administrative and legal reality that entrenches permanent Israeli control. They explained that the continued confiscation of land and the accelerated pace of settlement construction effectively undermine the two-state solution and eliminate any political prospect for the establishment of an independent, viable, and geographically contiguous Palestinian state. They cautioned that these policies pose a real threat to the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region and exacerbate tension and instability in the Middle East.
A call for the international community to assume its responsibilities
The ministers concluded their statement with a clear call for the international community to take immediate action and fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities. They demanded decisive and clear steps to halt these ongoing violations and ensure Israel's respect for international law. They reaffirmed their full support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of their independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only way to achieve lasting stability in the region.
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