The Council of Ministers on Monday approved a defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Italy. The agreement was initialed in Rome last November. The Cabinet also approved an agreement with Jordan on the demarcation of sea borders in the Gulf of Aqaba. The agreement was signed in Jeddah last December. The Cabinet meeting was presided over by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The King briefed the Council of Ministers on the recent meetings and consultations between him and a number of leaders and heads of international organizations on regional and international issues. King Abdullah urged the Muslims to do good deeds and repent for past sins and to use the month of Ramadan as an opportunity to face the challenges ahead, including the lack of current understanding of Islam. Iyad Bin Ameen Madani, Minister of Culture and Information, told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Monarch reiterated that Islamic teachings were the Kingdom's foundation in running its internal and external affairs. The Kingdom constantly seeks to consolidate the basic values of Islam such as justice, equality, solidarity, tolerance and people's right to follow different practices within the limits permitted by Shariah, the Monarch said. The Cabinet then reviewed the Kingdom's 16th ranking among 181countries by the International Finance Foundation, an affiliate of the World Bank, in terms of business environment and investment competitiveness. The Kingdom's economic strategy is, Madani continued, based on the Islamic understanding of achieving a balance between the interests of the individual and the rights of society, and between capital freedom and social responsibilities. The Cabinet further approved extending membership of the National Commission for Combating Drugs to the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance and the Minister of Higher Education. The Cabinet also endorsed complete equality among citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states in government sectors. __
