Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Cabinet has underscored the significance of further strengthening strategic relations between the Kingdom and the United States in a way benefiting the governments and people of both the countries. Minister of Water and Electricity and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Abdullah Al-Hussayen said Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, who chaired the weekly meeting here on Monday, briefed the ministers on the outcome of the recent visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to US, describing that the visit emanated from the King's keenness to communicate with the world leaders in the interest and service of the Saudi people and the issues of Arab and Islamic states and in conformity with the ties of friendship between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. The crown prince, Al-Hussayen said, commended the historic and strategic relations between the two countries and said these relations are further flourishing in all fields of development. He emphasized the King's assurances that the talks between the two countries, especially with regard to the new strategic partnership toward the 21st century, will contribute to deepening and strengthening relations and enhancing the bonds of mutual cooperation in the best interests of both friendly countries and their peoples. Al-Hussayen said that the Cabinet lauded the fruitful and positive talks between King Salman and US President Barack Obama. It also commended Obama's appreciation of Saudi Arabia for its leading role in the Arab and Islamic world. The Council also highlighted the joint statement's emphasis on the importance of intensifying efforts to maintain security and stability of the region. The Cabinet appreciated the King Salman's speech at the Saudi-US Business Forum wherein he reiterated the determination to work out a comprehensive framework to bolster strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthening it in various fields over the coming decades. Al-Hussayen said the Council expressed deep sorrow and conveyed condolences over the martyrdom of several soldiers from the Kingdom, UAE and Bahrain while taking part in the Restoration of Hope military operation in Yemen. The Council also approved creation of a national program to develop the Kingdom's fish resources sector.
