Politics
Amendments to safe distance requirements around gas stations
The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved amendments to two Cabinet resolutions
The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved amendments to two Cabinet resolutions concerning the requirements to be observed in safe distances around gas stations, the use and development of surrounding lands, and the national policy to eliminate forced labor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During its session held in Al-Ula yesterday (Tuesday), the Council was briefed on the content of the telephone call received by the Crown Prince from the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and what transpired during it regarding the review of bilateral relations and ways to develop them in various fields.
The Council considered the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council between the Kingdom and the Republic of Singapore, and the convening of the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, as two new steps within the framework of strengthening communication bridges with all countries of the world, and supporting aspects of bilateral coordination in order to achieve common interests and goals.
President Trump's inauguration ceremony
Following the session, Minister of Information Salman Al-Dossari explained that the Council followed the latest developments on the regional and international scene, expressing congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on the occasion of his swearing-in and assuming the presidency of the United States of America, and noting the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries.
The Council expressed its hope that the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip would contribute to ending the brutal Israeli war and addressing the root cause of the conflict by enabling the brotherly Palestinian people to exercise their rights, foremost among which is the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Raising the quality of Hajj services to the highest levels
The Cabinet discussed the outcomes of the Kingdom’s hosting of a number of international conferences, praising in this context the visions, initiatives and projects included in the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, which embodied aspects of this blessed country’s efforts in caring for those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, and its keenness to enable the largest number of Muslims around the world to perform Hajj and Umrah rituals. This is evident in welcoming more than (18) million pilgrims and Umrah performers from outside the Kingdom during the year 2024 AD, and continuing to raise the quality of services provided to them to the highest levels.
The Minister of Information stated that the Council noted the broad international participation in the (fourth) edition of the International Mining Conference, and the signing of (126) agreements and memoranda of understanding with a total value of (107) billion riyals, in addition to qualitative launches that will contribute to stimulating the growth of the sector in the Kingdom and the world.
Praise for self-sufficiency in products and crops
The Cabinet reviewed statistics and performance indicators for a number of key and vital sectors, praising the agricultural sector for achieving high rates of self-sufficiency in many products and crops, and for the pioneering results and record numbers recorded in various water sector projects, thus enhancing the effectiveness of strategies, plans and programs supporting the objectives of food and water security and sustainable development.
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:
- Authorizing the Minister of Sports - or his representative - to discuss with the Italian side the draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Department of Sports affiliated with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the Italian Republic for cooperation in the field of sports, and to sign it.
- Authorizing the Minister of Interior - or his representative - to discuss with the Chinese side the draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of civil defense and civil protection between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the People’s Republic of China, and to sign it.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of Islamic affairs between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations and Ceremonies of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
- Authorizing the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture - or his representative - to discuss with the Mongolian side the draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia in the field of nature reserves, and to sign it.
- Authorizing His Excellency the Minister of Health - or his representative - to sign the draft cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum in the field of virtual health.
- Authorizing the Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization - or his representative - to discuss with the Chinese side the draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State Administration for Market Regulation in the People’s Republic of China for cooperation in the field of conformity assessment, and to sign it.
- Authorizing the Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority - or his representative - to sign the draft agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Kuwait on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.
- Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Broadcasting and Television Authority and the Ministry of Information in the Kingdom of Bahrain for cooperation in the field of radio and television.
- Approval of a memorandum of cooperation in the field of intellectual property between the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State Agency for Intellectual Property and Innovation under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
- Authorizing the President of the General Auditing Bureau - or his representative - to discuss with the Belarusian side the draft memorandum of understanding between the General Auditing Bureau in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State Audit Committee in the Republic of Belarus for cooperation in the field of accounting, auditing and professional work, and to sign it.
- Authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development - or his representative - to discuss with the Italian side the draft memorandum of cooperation regarding development cooperation between the Saudi Fund for Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Italian Deposits and Loans Fund in the Italian Republic, and to sign it.
- Approval of a memorandum of cooperation between Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University and the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation.
- Approval of the final accounts of the Decision Support Center, the Saudi Export and Import Bank, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and Tabuk University, for previous fiscal years.
Two promotions
Approval to promote Falah bin Mohammed bin Falah Al Zabar Al Subaie to the position of (Business Advisor) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Interior, and to promote Ali bin Mohammed bin Ali Ameri to the position of (General Manager) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Health.
The Cabinet also reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda, including annual reports from the Ministries of Industry and Mineral Resources and Economy and Planning, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, the National Center for Government Resources Systems, King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital, and Mahd Sports Academy. The Cabinet took the necessary action regarding these topics.
Politics
The foreign minister and his Afghan counterpart discuss de-escalating regional tensions
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a call from his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which they discussed regional developments and efforts to reduce escalation and achieve security and stability.
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a telephone call yesterday, Friday, from His Excellency Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs. This call comes within the framework of ongoing consultations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic and regional countries to strengthen frameworks for joint cooperation and discuss issues of common interest.
During the call, a comprehensive review of current regional and international developments took place. The two sides focused primarily on discussing diplomatic and political efforts to de-escalate tensions and the necessity of joint action to prevent further escalation that could negatively impact international peace and security. They agreed on the importance of continued coordination to contribute to achieving security and stability for all the peoples of the region.
The Kingdom's leading role in promoting regional stability
These talks reaffirm the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, in spearheading diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. Saudi diplomacy consistently prioritizes dialogue and political solutions in addressing crises, as the Kingdom is a cornerstone of regional security and works tirelessly with all relevant actors to ensure stability in the Middle East and Central Asia.
The importance of joint coordination in light of current challenges
This contact is of particular importance given the delicate circumstances the region is experiencing, as current security and political challenges necessitate a high level of coordination and consultation among Islamic countries. The Afghan issue and stability in Afghanistan are integral to broader regional security, and the Kingdom consistently supports efforts that serve the interests of the brotherly Afghan people and help them achieve their aspirations for development and prosperity, free from conflict.
At the end of the call, both sides stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to contain any emerging crises, emphasizing that constructive dialogue is the best way to overcome obstacles and achieve the aspirations of peoples to live in lasting safety and stability.
Politics
Trump rejects uranium enrichment in Iran after Geneva negotiations
Trump, speaking from Texas, reiterated his firm opposition to any uranium enrichment in Iran, describing the current levels as uncivilized, thus complicating the latest nuclear negotiations in Geneva.
In a new escalation of the US stance on the Iranian nuclear issue, US President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday his categorical and absolute rejection of any level of uranium enrichment within Iranian territory, even under the guise of civilian or peaceful purposes. These fiery remarks came less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the third round of direct negotiations between delegations from Washington and Tehran in Geneva, Switzerland, casting doubt on the viability of the current diplomatic track.
Speaking to reporters in Corpus Christi, Texas, Trump explained that available information indicates Iran is seeking to reach enrichment levels between 20% and 30%. The US president asserted that these levels cannot be classified as civilian energy uses, stating unequivocally, "This level is not civilian." Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the pace and outcome of the recent talks, summarizing the US position with a decisive statement: "I say no to enrichment." This represents a return to the "zero enrichment" principle long advocated by hawks in successive US administrations.
These statements come at a highly sensitive time, as Geneva has witnessed intense diplomatic activity in recent days aimed at finding common ground to revive nuclear understandings. Discussions have focused primarily on key points of contention, most notably the permissible limit for uranium enrichment and the monitoring mechanisms to be enforced by the International Atomic Energy Agency—issues that form the crux of any potential agreement.
From a technical and political standpoint, Trump's talk of 20% and 30% enrichment levels carries serious implications. Uranium intended for civilian power reactors typically does not require enrichment exceeding 3.67% to 5%. Reaching the 20% threshold, however, is considered by nuclear experts to be a significant technological leap that would shorten the time needed to reach the 90% enrichment required for a nuclear weapon. Therefore, Washington's insistence on a complete ban on enrichment stems from fears that any civilian enrichment infrastructure could be quickly diverted into a clandestine military program.
This hardline stance brings to mind the complexities of the international landscape surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue for many years. The United States believes that allowing Tehran to possess a complete nuclear fuel cycle threatens regional and international security, while Iran insists that enrichment is its sovereign right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Trump's recent statements are expected to complicate the task of international mediators and may push Tehran to adopt even more hardline positions in future rounds of talks, leaving the entire region facing open-ended scenarios ranging from diplomatic stalemate to military escalation.
Politics
Iraq denies firing from Kuwait and affirms border stability
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior officially denies reports of gunfire from the Kuwaiti side on the Basra border, confirms the stability of the security situation, and warns those spreading rumors of legal accountability.
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior, in an official statement issued this evening (Friday), categorically denied the validity of the news circulated by some social media platforms and media outlets, which claimed that gunfire had occurred from the Kuwaiti side towards one of the border points belonging to Basra Governorate in southern Iraq.
The ministry explained in its statement that this information is completely false, stressing that no security breach or incident of this kind has been recorded in the area of responsibility, and that the movement and security situation along the border strip between the two countries is proceeding in a very normal and stable manner, amid mutual security coordination to control the borders and prevent any violations.
The importance of stability on the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border
The Iraqi-Kuwaiti border holds immense strategic and security importance for both countries. Relations between Baghdad and Kuwait have witnessed remarkable development and a qualitative leap in recent years, overcoming the tensions of the 1990s. The stability of the border regions, particularly in Basra Governorate, Iraq's economic heartland, is a cornerstone of national security for both sides, in addition to serving as a vital corridor for trade and passenger traffic through official border crossings such as the Safwan-Abdali crossing.
Security cooperation and combating rumors
In a related context, the Ministry of Interior called on all media outlets and bloggers to exercise accuracy and credibility, and to rely solely on official and authorized sources when disseminating sensitive security information. The Ministry warned against being swayed by malicious rumors intended to sow confusion and anxiety among citizens, or those that attempt to disrupt the growing fraternal relations and established diplomatic ties between the peoples and leaderships of Iraq and Kuwait.
The ministry also stressed that it will not tolerate any violation of the law, affirming its full legal right to pursue and hold accountable those who spread false news that affects civil peace, security and stability, and to take all necessary legal measures against them to ensure that such claims that harm the country’s higher interests are not repeated.
This swift and decisive denial comes to block any attempts to escalate the situation in the media, and to confirm the strength of the ongoing security coordination between the border guard forces in both countries to prevent any illegal activities, thus ensuring the continuation of calm and stability in this sensitive regional area.
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