Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Council of Ministers on Tuesday expressed immense pride over the brilliant journey of the Saudi state and its rich legacy extending for nearly three centuries, featuring remarkable accomplishments in terms of unity, security, and stability. The weekly session of the Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, in Riyadh, said this on the eve of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, which is celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 22.

The Council highlighted the unity, security, and stability enjoyed by Saudi Arabia for generations, saying that this led to constant progress and development, and creating a better future for everyone who lives on the land of this nation whose roots are firmly ingrained in the depths of history with steadfastness and glory.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary said that the Cabinet was briefed on the recent government activities, and highlighted the efforts exerted toward deepening ties with various countries, in pursuit of shared goals and stronger cooperation in diverse fields. The Cabinet commended the successful visit of the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the Kingdom, and his productive meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The Cabinet reviewed regional and international developments and reiterated the Kingdom's stand that was expressed at the 2024 Munich Security Conference. The Saudi position on Gaza situation prioritized reaching an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza Strip, and increased delivery of relief aid to the Palestinian people.

The Council reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 11th session of the World Water Forum in 2027 solidifies its leading role in addressing water issues both regionally and internationally. This reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, the session pointed out.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) held in Riyadh, specifically highlighting the successful launches and signing of memoranda of understanding. These initiatives aim to enhance sustainability and improve the quality of life in Saudi cities, aligning with the Kingdom’s objective of having at least ten of its cities ranked among the top 50 cities globally.

The Cabinet discussed the topics of inclusion of three new Saudi cities into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities; attaining the highest growth rate among major tourist destinations worldwide, and emerging as topper in the Electronic Government Services Index in the Middle East and North Africa. “These achievements underscore the Kingdom’s unwavering interest and support for all sectors, aspiring to establish the country as an exemplary model on multiple fronts,” the council pointed out.

Among the Cabinet’s major decisions included the approval of the organizational guide and structure of the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education. It endorsed an agreement of cooperation between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Vietnam to combat crimes. A draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Saudi-Brazilian Coordination Council was also approved and authorized minister of foreign affairs or his deputy to sign it.

The Council approved two MoUs between the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, and the Jožef Stefan Institute of Slovenia to collaborate in research, development, and innovation in the field of AI. It endorsed that the Ministry of Culture, represented by the Architecture and Design Commission, to discuss and sign a draft MoU for cooperation between the Architecture and Design Commission and the Royal College of Art of the United Kingdom.

The Cabinet authorized Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) or his deputy to sign a draft agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iceland to avoid double taxation on income, and to prevent tax evasion, and to sign the accompanying draft protocol. An agreement with Portugal in the field of air transportation services was also endorsed. It approved a MoU between the Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) to cooperate in evaluating and accrediting Arabic language curricula and programs.

The Cabinet authorized minister of media and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority of Media Regulation or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Portuguese Regulatory Authority for the Media a MoU for cooperation in the field of audiovisual media. It also authorized minister of education and chairman of the board of directors of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation or his deputy to discuss and sign a MoU in the field of technical and vocational training with the South African Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Department of Higher Education and Training

The Council endorsed an agreement between the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the Junior Professional Officers Program. It authorized minister of culture and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Tashkent State University for Oriental Studies of Uzbekistan a MoU for cooperation in Arabic language.