Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH – The Council of Ministers on Tuesday lauded the efficiency of the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces in intercepting the ballistic missiles fired by the Iranian backed Houthi militias and foiling all attempts to undermine the Kingdom’s security.

The weekly session of the Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, blamed Iran for its involvement in supporting Houthi terrorists to threaten the Kingdom’s security in explicit violation of the UN resolutions.

Minister of Culture and Information Awwad Al-Awwad told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that the Council renewed the Kingdom’s call for an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and for maintaining the unity and independence of Syria’s sovereignty.

“The Syrian regime has to own responsibility for the military operations carried out by the United States, Britain and France, in response to the regime’s continued use of internationally banned chemical weapons against innocent civilians, including women and children, in continuation of its heinous crimes against the Syrian people for years.

Earlier, at the outset of the session, the King thanked leaders of Arab countries and all participants of the 29th Arab League Summit for their efforts that contributed to its great success.

The Council hailed the declaration of King Salman to name the summit as “Jerusalem Summit”, and announcement of the Kingdom’s donation of $150 million to Islamic Endowment Support Program in Jerusalem and $50 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Cabinet noted that these embody the King’s keenness to help the Palestinians.

Awwad said the Cabinet welcomed the “Dhahran Declaration” in which the Arab leaders emphasized on the importance of enhancing joint Arab action based on a clear methodology and solid foundations that protect the nation from dangers threatening it, maintaining security and stability and ensuring a promising future for future generations.

The Cabinet commended the Arab National Security document to confront common challenges issued at the conclusion of the summit and its commitments to enhance solidarity among Arab countries, coordinate their positions to serve their supreme interests and achieve security and stability for their peoples.

The Cabinet noted that the Joint Gulf Shield 1 military drills reflected the importance of military cooperation and coordination with other friendly countries and raising the level of readiness to protect and ensure the security and stability of the countries of the region and the world.

The Council also noted that the recent world tour of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman was helpful in winning strong support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and commendation of the ongoing reforms in the Kingdom that opened new horizons and opportunities.