Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Council of Ministers on Tuesday affirmed its great confidence in the efficiency and evolving capabilities of the Kingdom’s health-care system.

The virtual session of the Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, appreciated the noble mission of health practitioners, which contributed to saving many human lives, stressing that their country would not forget their sacrifices.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi said that the Cabinet lauded the great moral and material support being provided by the leadership to the Kingdom’s health-care system. It also appreciated the state’s investment in the health infrastructure over the years, saying that it enabled it to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges caused by the pandemic as well as to provide healthcare for all people despite the unprecedented conditions.

The Cabinet reviewed local and international reports and developments related to the pandemic. It was also reassured about the comprehensive health and medical care being provided to the infected people.

It reiterated the assurance by the King that the health and safety of citizens and expatriates is his top priority in light of the magnitude of the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The Cabinet stressed the Monarch’s hope that everyone would take safety measures to stem the spread of the pandemic.

Al-Qasabi said the Cabinet commended the great support provided by King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to the affected sectors, saying that this helped the sectors to make their capabilities and readiness at the highest levels. It also praised early precautionary measures taken to prepare for and stem the spread of the virus, raise awareness in the society, maintain the health system, and increase the capacity of laboratories, intensive care units, and ventilators.

While reviewing the gradual return of the situation to normalcy in all regions of the Kingdom, the Cabinet stressed the need for citizens and expatriates to continue their commitment to precautionary and preventive measures to confront the epidemic. It also stressed the importance of regulatory agencies and competent authorities to follow up applying these measures on the ground in a way that contributes to protecting everyone’s health and reduces the number of infections.

The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and its efforts in protecting lives and reducing the risks of future epidemics and their health impact and social disruption.

The Kingdom has allocated, during its participation in the virtual Global Vaccine Summit, $150 million, out of the total amount pledged by Saudi Arabia in the Extraordinary Virtual Leader’s Summit of G20, which comes as an extension of the Kingdom’s continuous international humanitarian efforts.

The Cabinet praised the efforts of OPEC + countries to ensure support of all major oil producers from outside of OPEC + countries to maintain the stability of the oil market.

The Cabinet discussed the outcome of the Yemen High-Level Pledging Event 2020, which was organized by the Kingdom with the participation of 66 countries and scores of international organizations. The pledges amounted to $1.35 billion, including $500 million announced by the Kingdom, to support the humanitarian response plan for Yemen, and the plan to confront coronavirus. The Cabinet stressed its firm position on supporting Yemen and its people and finding sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

Al-Qasabi said the Cabinet welcomed the Egyptian efforts aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis. It also rejected the Israeli plans and measures to annex land in the West Bank and impose sovereignty over them.

The Cabinet, meanwhile, approved the Mining Investment Law and endorsed amendments to the Civil Service Law, article 35 of the Judicial Law and article four of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority Law.