The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet's virtual session today. At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the content of the two phone calls made to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of State of Kuwait, whereas the phone calls stressed the solidarity and deep-rooted relations among states and peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States. Then, the Cabinet addressed the overall work of the G20 Leaders Summit held in Rome, Italy, and the Kingdom's affirmation during the summit of continuing its leading role in economic and health upturn and recovery from the global crises as well as the Kingdom's keenness to strengthen multilateral action to achieve prosperity in the countries of the G20 and the entire world. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi said that the Cabinet reviewed the recent meetings and talks that took place between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a number of countries with the aim of developing and strengthening relations in various fields. The Cabinet, within the same context, commended the content of the joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Greece at the conclusion of the visit of the Prime Minister of Greece to the Kingdom, as the statement addressed the aspects of joint cooperation and ways to support and develop cooperation in all fields. This is in addition to the two countries' positions towards the current regional and international developments and the exerted efforts for dealing with these developments. The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's activities and events during the week, including the Fifth Future Investment Initiative (FII) that brought together representatives of governments, companies, investors and innovators from all over the world to explore pioneering solutions in order address challenges, whereas the 5th FII included signing agreements and launching many initiatives to support the investment sector. The Cabinet followed the developments in the region and the world. The Cabinet in this regard expressed condemnation of the terrorist bombing that targeted the gate of Aden International Airport, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with Yemen and its people. The Cabinet called on all parties to complete the implementation of Riyadh Agreement to unite ranks, confront terrorism, achieve security and stability and restore their state. The Cabinet was briefed on a number of issues on its agenda and issued the following decisions: First: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, or his deputy, to discuss with the Beninese side a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of Islamic affairs between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Interior and Public Security of the Republic of Benin, and sign it before referring the final signed copy to proceed with the formal procedures. Second: The Cabinet approved a memorandum of cooperation in the field of intellectual property between the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and European Union Intellectual Property Office. Third: The Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Cultural Bodies shall authorize whomever he sees fit to exercise any competencies transferred from the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of Culture in regard with the activity of the national heritage. Fourth: Amending Paragraph (2) of Item (First) of Cabinet Decision No. (229) dated 08/03/1429 AH amending the controls allowing farmers to export the surplus from their farms' needs of agricultural machinery and equipment, as stated in the decision. Fifth: Amending paragraph (A) of Article (16) of the health system issued by Royal Order No. (M / 11) dated 3/23/1423 AH as stated in the decision. Sixth: Approving the final account of King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries for a previous fiscal year. Seventh: Amending Article (25) of the Law of Criminal Procedures issued by Royal Order No. (M / 2) dated 22/1/1435 AH to be as stated in the decision. Eighth: The Cabinet approved a number of promotions at (15-14) ranks. The Cabinet also reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda and took the necessary measures regarding these topics.
