Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet's session held at Al-Salam Palace yesterday. At the outset of the session, the Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques welcomed on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the pilgrims who began arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj rituals and conveyed the King's confirmation and keenness on providing the best services and facilities for pilgrims since their arrival via land, air and sea ports in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to perform their rituals easily, comfortably and securely. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Minister of Culture and Information, said in a statement to SPA following the session that the Cabinet was briefed on various preparations, services, and readiness of government and private sectors for Hajj season and services being provided for pilgrims. The Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques re-emphasized that the Kingdom will spare no effort to introduce this great message with which Allah Almighty honored the leadership and people in the best way. The Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques called on pilgrims to dedicate their time to perform Hajj rituals and worship, and keep away from behaviors and slogans that contradict the teachings of the Islamic religion, disturb and hurt the feelings of pilgrims. Dr. Al-Qasabi said that the Cabinet welcomed the statement issued by the meetings of joint Gulf-American working group to combat terrorism with the participation of senior officials from the competent authorities of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States and the United States of America. The Cabinet reviewed the final resolution of the extraordinary meeting of the Council of the Arab League, which discussed the serious developments in Libya, stressing the contents of the resolution on the need for adherence to respect the unity and sovereignty of Libya, maintain its territory and political independence, renounce violence, and help Libya to counter terrorism, violations and massacres committed by the terrorist organization ISIS against innocent people in Sirte. In domestic affairs, the Cabinet followed with concern a report on the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Health and other health sectors to confront Coruna virus in Riyadh. The Cabinet was briefed by the Minister of Health on the actions taken in this regard. The Cabinet stressed the importance that all bodies continue and intensify their efforts to control the virus through various precautionary measures to prevent the transmission of infection and to treat people infected with the virus. Dr. Al-Qasabi said that the Cabinet reviewed a number of issues on its agenda and issued the following decisions: First: The Cabinet approved the appointment of the following as experienced and competent members in the Board of Directors of the General Organization for Military Industries for three years: 1- Mohammed bin Abdulmalik Al Al-Sheikh. 2- Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib. 3- Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al-Zamil. Second: The Cabinet approved considering as Public Utilities of the State: fiber optic cable interconnection, storm-water drainage channels, electricity generators, extensions of electricity and water tanks and roads that are established, owned or used by any government agencies. Third: The Cabinet approved a number of arrangements pertaining to the implementations of King Abdullah Project for Waad Al Shamal City Development. Fourth: The Cabinet approved the re-formation of the Tax Appeals Committee set forth in the Income Tax Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/1) dated 15/11/1425H. for four years as the following: 1- Dr. Abdullah bin Mansour Al-Ghufaili, President. 2- Dr. Saad bin Saleh Al-Ruwaite, Vice President. 3- Dr. Mohammed bin Sultan Al-Sahli, Member. 4- Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Rezeen, Member. 5- Dr. Yasser bin Fadel Abed Al-Surayhi, Member. Fifth: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs - or his deputy - to discuss and sign with the Ethiopian side a draft memorandum of understanding on the political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. Sixth: The Cabinet decided to make amendments to Article (16) of the Health System issued by Royal Decree No. (M/11) dated 23/03/1423H. Seventh: The Cabinet approved the appointment of Major General Dr. Suleiman bin Mohammed Al-Malik as member of the Cooperative Health Insurance Council representing government health sectors. Eighth: The Cabinet approved the appointment of Eng. Mohamed bin Abdullatif Jameel as member representing the private sector in the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Investment. Ninth: The Cabinet approved that the General Organization for Grain Silos and Flour Mills purchases quantities of locally produced wheat during the current agricultural season (1436/1437H.) that exceeds the authorized quantity. Tenth: The Cabinet approved a number of appointments as follows: 1- Dr. Sami bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamoud who occupies the position of Undersecretary of the Ministry for Planning and Development (Rank 15) at the Ministry of Labor transferred to occupy the position of Undersecretary of the Ministry for Planning and Development (Rank 15) at the Ministry of Justice. 2- Dr. Muhaideb bin Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Muhaideb appointed to the post of Management Consultant (rank 15) at the Cabinet's General Secretariat. 3- Eng. Mansour bin Mohammed bin Funais Al-Qahtani appointed to the post of Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs (rank 14) at the Ministry of National Guard. 4- Abdulmohsen bin Hudaib bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hudaib appointed to the post of Director General of Financial Affairs (Rank 14) at the Ministry of National Guard. 5- Abdullah bin Saleh bin Abdulhameed Al Al-Sheikh appointed to the post of Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry for Printing and Translation (rank 14) at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance. 6- Abdulaziz bin Saleh bin Abdulrahman Abu Bakr appointed to the post of Organization Consultant (Rank 14) at the Ministry of Finance. The Cabinet was briefed on the annual reports of the Department of Customs and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu for the financial year (1434/1435H.).
