The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, chaired the Cabinet meeting held this afternoon (Tuesday) at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the session, the Council was briefed on the content of the communications received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince from the leaders of a number of countries of the world during the past days, and what took place during them in terms of reviewing relations and ways to support and strengthen them in all fields, in a way that serves common interests and achieves security and stability in the region and the world.

Appreciating the American commitment to securing the Kingdom's defense needs

The Cabinet appreciated the commitment expressed by the President of the United States of America to support the Kingdom in defending its territory and protecting its citizens, and to secure its defense needs to enhance joint efforts to maintain its security and the security and stability of the region. The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to remove the causes of escalation in the region, and to support the efforts of the American administration aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and the necessity of joint action to confront the destructive activities of its proxies.

Emphasis on a comprehensive political solution in Yemen

Acting Minister of Media, Dr. Majid Abdullah Al-Qasabi, explained that the Council discussed the latest developments and the evolving situation on various fronts, appreciating the condemnation expressed by brotherly and friendly countries, as well as regional and international organizations and bodies, regarding the hostile attempt targeting civilians traveling and working at Abha International Airport, which constitutes a violation of international law and a war crime, and the continued transgressions and hostile approach of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia, and its refusal to comply with calls for peace.

The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to reaching a comprehensive political solution in Yemen in accordance with the three references: “The Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216,” and to striving to achieve security and development in this brotherly country, and to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people and rebuilding their country.

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 Economic and Development Affairs, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the General Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the Council of Ministers’ Experts Authority regarding these topics.

The council concluded with the following:

• Approval of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s accession to the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives 2015.

• Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology in the Sultanate of Oman for cooperation in the field of communications, information technology and postal services.

• Approval of an agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Qatar in the field of air transport services.

• Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Information and eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain regarding the activation of the (Health Passport) to verify the compliance of travelers crossing the King Fahd Causeway from citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain or residents of either of them, with the health requirements related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Amendment of Article (Fourth) of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology System, issued by Royal Decree No. (M/8) dated 19/4/1406 AH, relating to the formation of the City’s Board of Directors.

• Approval of the amendments to the Lawyers System, issued by Royal Decree No. (M/38) dated 7/28/1422 AH, regarding licensing to practice the legal profession, and regulating the licensing of foreign law firms to practice the legal profession in the Kingdom.

• Approval of the guiding model for an agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries on the encouragement and reciprocal protection of investments, and authorizing the Minister of Investment – ​​or his representative – to negotiate with any of the countries targeted by the Kingdom to conclude an agreement on the encouragement and reciprocal protection of investments, and to submit the final version of each draft agreement separately, to complete the regulatory procedures.

• Approval of the amendment to Article (Six) of the Saudi Council of Engineers System issued by Royal Decree No. (M/36) dated 9/26/1423 AH, relating to the Council’s Board of Directors.

• The Minister of Finance issued the necessary license for Bank (Dal Three Hundred and Sixty) – under establishment – ​​in accordance with Article (Three) of the Banking Control System, issued by Royal Decree No. (M/5) dated 2/2/1386 AH.

• The state will continue to bear the entry visa fee for seasonal workers for the Hajj sacrificial animal project for the year (1443 AH).

• Approval of the amendment to the regulations of the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowed Libraries, issued by Cabinet Resolution No. (389) dated 9/15/1437 AH, with regard to the formation of the Board of Trustees of the Complex, the formation of permanent or temporary committees, and the appointment of a Secretary-General of the Complex.

Appointment and promotion

Approval of appointment to the position of (Minister Plenipotentiary), and promotion to the (fourteenth) rank, as follows:

Yahya bin Hassan bin Nasser Al-Qahtani was appointed to the position of (Minister Plenipotentiary) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fahd bin Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri was promoted to the position of (Assistant Undersecretary for Mosque Affairs) at the (fourteenth) rank in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

The Cabinet also reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda, and took the necessary action regarding them.