RIYADH — The Council of Ministers on Monday thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for the royal decrees issued on Saturday. It said that new blood will enhance government's efficiency and raise the level of performance. Chairing the Cabinet session at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, the King emphasized that the new appointments come as a result of his keenness to continue the march of growth and development. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Awwad Al-Awwad said that the King also thanked former officials, emirs and ministers for sincerely serving their religion, nation and citizens. King Salman wished the new appointees every success in discharging their duties. The Cabinet emphasized that restoring the allowances and financial benefits for civil servants and military personnel showed the keenness of the King to ensure the comfort of citizens. The Cabinet noted that the decision to cut the benefits was taken following a recommendation by Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, who is also chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), as part of austerity measures following a sharp decline in state revenues due to big drop in oil prices. However, the policies and programs as well as the initiatives taken by CEDA to re-adjust expenses and priorities along with measures to review the strategy related to the Public Investment Fund with an objective to diversify the sources of income and reduce dependence on oil have been instrumental in achieving the set goals, improving the state revenues and reducing the budget deficit as envisaged in the Kingdom's Vision 2030. In the light of these, the Deputy Crown Prince proposed restoration of allowances and benefits, the Cabinet noted. Al-Awwad said the Cabinet stressed that the royal directives to establish a National Security Center, approval of two months' salary allowance for military personnel taking part in the Decisive Storm and Restoration of Hope operations on the frontline, as well as holding of final school and college examinations before the start of Ramadan demonstrate the strength of this country and the strength and cohesion between the wise leadership and citizens. It also embodies the care and concern shown by the King toward the people of this country.
