RIYADH — The weekly session of the Saudi Council of Ministers, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, hailed the successful outcome of recent economic, cultural, and media conferences and events held in Riyadh. "All these consolidated Riyadh's position as a global hub for science, knowledge, investment, and innovation. This success underscores the Kingdom's remarkable progress and renaissance at all levels and in all aspects," the Cabinet highlighted. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly that requests an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel's obligations concerning the activities of the United Nations and other international organizations and states to benefit Palestinians in the occupied territories. The resolution aimed to support the Palestinian people during challenging times and reflects the international consensus on their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. The Cabinet appreciated the positive stance of the countries that voted in favor of the resolution, which was presented by Norway in partnership with Saudi Arabia. At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the meeting of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, which focused on relations between the two countries, as well as regional developments. The Cabinet discussed the recent developments with regard to the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and countries and organizations all over the world, as well as the steps taken and achievements made to strengthen regional and international ties, support endeavors to attain security, stability, and development, and address Arab issues. Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet reiterated Saudi Arabia's position as outlined at the third consultative meeting of multilateral organizations sponsoring peace initiatives in Sudan. The Saudi position underscores the urgent need to end the conflict, increase efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into the country, and work toward a political future that ensures Sudan's security, stability, unity, and sovereignty. The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the inaugural session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council. Established upon a Saudi proposal, the council reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Arab security and encouraging coordinated efforts to protect the interests of Arab nations. On the domestic front, the Cabinet acknowledged the significant progress made by government agencies in the digital transformation index for 2024. This progress reflects the Kingdom's commitment to continuously improving services to citizens, residents, and visitors, improving the quality of life, facilitating business operations, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving top rankings in international indicators and classifications. The Cabinet approved the amendment of the organization of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, as stated in the decision. It also endorsed the transformation strategy of the Institute of Public Administration. The Council authorizing the minister of interior or his deputy to discuss and sign drafts, memoranda of understanding for cooperation in civil defense and civil protection with the governments of Tajikistan and Pakistan. The Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Saudi-Spanish Coordination Council, and authorizing the minister of foreign affairs to sign the draft and discuss with the Spanish side ways to unify existing cooperation mechanisms between Saudi Arabia and Spain in various fields. It endorsed another MoU for cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Kuwait's National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters. The Cabinet authorized the minister of environment, water and agriculture, or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft MoU in the field of water resources with Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources, and authorized minister of human resources and social development or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft framework cooperation agreement between the Saudi government and the International Labor Organization concerning programs for junior technical staff and secondment. The Council approved a MoU between Umm Al-Qura University, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and another MoU for cooperation in the field of Arabic language services between the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The Cabinet authorized minister environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification or his deputy to discuss and sign with Gansu Desert Control Research Institute of China a draft MoU in the field of desertification.
