Latest news with #SaudiCouncilofMinisters
Saudi Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Cabinet emphasizes highest standards of services to ensure pilgrims' comfort and safety
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday emphasized the highest standards of efficiency, quality, coordination, and integration among relevant authorities while implementing the annual plan for the Hajj pilgrimage season of 2025. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session in Jeddah on Tuesday. While reviewing the Hajj plan, the Cabinet noted that the Kingdom's efforts aimed to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, supported by the extensive development projects and advanced infrastructure, which enhance all aspects of service and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for pilgrims from all around the world. The Cabinet expressed the pride of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people, in the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. This reflects the Kingdom's pioneering Islamic role and longstanding commitment since its unification by the late King Abdul Aziz. The Cabinet prayed to God Almighty to enable pilgrims to complete their rituals in peace and return safely to their homelands. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary stated that the Cabinet reviewed the content of recent talks and meetings between the Kingdom and various countries aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on regional and international issues. The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom's participation in the recent summits between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as with China. These engagements reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for international initiatives promoting sustainable development and regional stability, contributing to a prosperous future for all nations. The Cabinet welcomed the announcement of a new oil discovery in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It described the development as a positive step that enhances cooperation in the energy sector and reflects the success of joint exploration and development efforts. The Cabinet reviewed regional and international developments, reiterating the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian cause. It called for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the cessation of violations by Israeli occupation authorities of international laws and norms. The Cabinet praised the launch of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition's regional program for Sahel countries, inaugurated in Mali. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in combatting terrorism and its financing through joint action and the exchange of expertise. On the domestic front, the Cabinet lauded the transformative initiatives under the Health Transformation Program, which have enhanced the quality and comprehensiveness of healthcare, improved preventive and traffic safety measures, and advanced digital health services in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. The Cabinet also acknowledged the Kingdom's recent achievements and high rankings on global indices, including its second-place position among G20 countries in the UN International Telecommunication Union's 2024 ICT Regulatory Tracker. The Council affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to comprehensive and sustainable development through economic diversification, optimization of its competitive advantages, stimulation of local and foreign investment, empowerment of Saudi citizens, and the creation of job opportunities across various sectors. The Cabinet approved the organization of the General Authority for Food Security. It endorsed amending the organization of housing support, as stated in the decision. The Cabinet adopted a mechanism for integrating the roles of relevant entities in monitoring non-ionizing radiation. The Council approved the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Marshall Islands at the level of non-resident ambassador, and authorizing the minister of foreign affairs or his deputy to sign the draft protocol in this regard. It authorized the minister of foreign affairs or his deputy to sign a draft agreement between Saudi Arabia and China regarding the exemption of airline crew members from entry visas. The Cabinet approved a memoranda of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the cultural field between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and each of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia, the Ministry of Culture of Russia, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Benin. The Cabinet approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kosovo in the field of air transport services. It approved a MoU between the General Authority for Competition of Saudi Arabia and the Competition and Antitrust Council of Iraq for cooperation in promoting competition and combating monopolistic practices, and another MoU of cooperation on development cooperation between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Cabinet reaffirms expanding investment and trade ties with US, earmarking over $600 billion
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to expanding investment and trade relations with the United States with allocation of more than $600 billion over the next four years. The Cabinet session, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, in Jeddah, noted that over $300 billion was announced in deals and mutual investments at the Saudi-US Investment Forum held during the visit of US President Ronald Trump on May 13 in Riyadh. At the outset of the session, the King thanked US President Donald Trump for accepting the invitation to visit Saudi Arabia and lauded the outcomes of his discussions with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. These discussions are expected to elevate bilateral relations to an unprecedented historical level across numerous vital sectors, thereby enhancing the economic integration of the two friendly countries. The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Saudi-US Summit, held during President Trump's first official foreign visit of his current term, foremost among them the signing of the Strategic Economic Partnership and the announcement of various agreements and memoranda of understanding. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shoura Council Affairs and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Saeed said that the Cabinet commended the comprehensive content and vision presented in the Crown Prince's speech at the GCC-USA Summit. He noted that the speech reflected the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening joint coordination and advancing multilateral action with friendly nations for greater prosperity and progress. It also underscored support for resolving regional and international crises and conflicts through peaceful means. The Cabinet commended the US president's positive response to the Crown Prince's efforts to lift sanctions on Syria, expressing hope that this step would contribute to the development and reconstruction of that country. The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's statement at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Summit, emphasizing its categorical rejection of any attempts at forced displacement or imposed solutions that fail to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people. It also stressed the need for maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza. The Cabinet commended the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) on its 10th anniversary for its efforts in assisting millions in need across more than 100 countries. on the domestic front, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the National Industrial Strategy, which successfully attracted three global automotive industry leaders to establish factories in the Kingdom, contributing significantly to economic diversification and enhancing global competitiveness. The Cabinet also lauded the prestigious awards won by Saudi students at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025), underscoring the state's strong commitment to education, fostering knowledge and innovation, and nurturing generations distinguished in science and skills. The Cabinet approved the establishment of a supervisory body for health services within the Ministry of Defense. It endorsed a mechanism to regulate the work of competent authorities regarding scrap sites to prevent the entry of radioactive materials or scrap metal contaminated with radioactive materials. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Saudi Arabia and Japan for the establishment of a strategic partnership council, and another MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan for cooperation in the field of communications and information technology. The Council authorized the minister of transport and logistics and chairman of the board of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Russian side a draft MoU for cooperation in the field of civil aviation safety between the GACA and the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport. It authorized the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Kazakh side a draft MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan for cooperation in the field of mineral wealth. The Cabinet approved a framework agreement between Saudi Arabia and the International Labor Organization regarding programs for junior professional staff and recruitment, and a MoU for cooperation in the health sector between the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health of Singapore. The Council authorized Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Indian side a draft MoU on geological scientific cooperation between SGS and the Geological Survey of India. The Cabinet approved a cooperation agreement between the Presidency of State Security of Saudi Arabia and the National Intelligence and Security Service of Somalia in combating terrorism and its financing.
Daily Tribune
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
US Thanks Saudi Arabia for Hosting Crucial Jeddah Talks with Ukraine
Email : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the pivotal talks between the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a joint press briefing with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Rubio thanked the Kingdom for its instrumental role in facilitating the dialogue. "I want to personally thank – we both want to thank – the team in Saudi Arabia, his majesty, for hosting us and making this possible. They've been instrumental in this process and we're very grateful to them for hosting us here today," Rubio said during the press conference. The discussions led to significant developments, with the US planning to present a ceasefire proposal to Moscow in hopes of securing its approval. "And hopefully we'll take this offer now to the Russians, and we hope that they'll say yes, that they'll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court," Rubio stated. Ukraine has expressed its support for the US proposal to declare a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, with Washington agreeing to immediately lift the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday. The US Department of State confirmed that the Jeddah meeting achieved important steps towards peace, with Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire if Russia complies with the terms. Saudi Arabia hosted the talks under the direction of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, with Ukrainian officials led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The talks were also attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban. In a statement released by the Saudi Council of Ministers, the Kingdom welcomed the commencement of the peace talks, highlighting the Kingdom's balanced approach to international relations and its role in promoting global security. The Council emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of conflict resolution, underscoring its leadership in fostering peaceful solutions in international conflicts.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
US thanks Saudi Arabia for hosting decisive Jeddah talks with Ukraine
JEDDAH — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks with Ukraine in Jeddah. In his remarks to the press along with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz after their talks with high ranking Ukrainian officials in Jeddah on Tuesday, Rubio said: "I want to personally thank – we both want to thank – the team in Saudi Arabia, his majesty, for hosting us, for making this possible. They've been instrumental in this process and we're very grateful to them for hosting us here today," he said. In the press briefing, Rubio said that the US would present a ceasefire proposal to Moscow, hoping for its approval. "And hopefully we'll – we'll take this offer now to the Russians, and we hope that they'll say yes, that they'll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court," he said. Ukraine supported a US proposal to declare a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, while Washington agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv immediately, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday. The US Department of State revealed that the Jeddah meeting had achieved significant steps toward peace in Ukraine. The department said that Ukraine agreed during the Jeddah meeting to a 30-day ceasefire if Russia complies. Saudi Arabia hosted the talks between the US and Ukraine under the gracious direction of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Ukrainian team was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, and joined by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in the talks held in the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban. Welcoming the commencement of talks between the United States and Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday noted that this initiative reflects the Kingdom's balanced relations with various stakeholders, as well as its leading role in promoting global security and peace, and its commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of conflict resolution and bringing viewpoints closer together.
Saudi Gazette
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
US thanks Saudi Arabia for hosting decisive Jeddah talks with Ukraine
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks with Ukraine in Jeddah. In his remarks to the press along with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz after their talks with high ranking Ukrainian officials in Jeddah on Tuesday, Rubio said: "I want to personally thank – we both want to thank – the team in Saudi Arabia, his majesty, for hosting us, for making this possible. They've been instrumental in this process and we're very grateful to them for hosting us here today," he said. In the press briefing, Rubio said that the US would present a ceasefire proposal to Moscow, hoping for its approval. "And hopefully we'll – we'll take this offer now to the Russians, and we hope that they'll say yes, that they'll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court," he said. Ukraine supported a US proposal to declare a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, while Washington agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv immediately, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday. The US Department of State revealed that the Jeddah meeting had achieved significant steps toward peace in Ukraine. The department said that Ukraine agreed during the Jeddah meeting to a 30-day ceasefire if Russia complies. Saudi Arabia hosted the talks between the US and Ukraine under the gracious direction of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Ukrainian team was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, and joined by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in the talks held in the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban. Welcoming the commencement of talks between the United States and Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday noted that this initiative reflects the Kingdom's balanced relations with various stakeholders, as well as its leading role in promoting global security and peace, and its commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of conflict resolution and bringing viewpoints closer together.
