Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today at the Royal Court at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah the Cabinet meeting. At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the cabinet on the discussions, consultations, meetings and contacts he made over the past few days with leaders and envoys of friendly countries including the phone call he received from Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Moheiaddin Khoja said that the Cabinet discussed the inspection tour the King made to King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology which will be opening later this year. He added that the Cabinet considered the commencement of studying at the new university at this date a major step forward. Dr. Khoja also added that the cabinet listened to a report on combating Swine Flue (H1N1)-- declared pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO)-- as well as preparations for containing the virus spread in this year's Hajj season. The cabinet stressed the importance of concerted efforts regionally and internationally especially those advised by WHO and world organizations for combating the disease. Dr. Khoja also added that the cabinet discussed latest developments especially the situation in Palestine as well as the results of US envoy's recent visit to the region regarding US commitments and peace efforts in the region. --More
