Saudi cabinet of ministers meets in person for first time in two years

Short Url
Updated 25 January 2022
Follow

Saudi cabinet of ministers meets in person for first time in two years

  • The Cabinet reiterated its condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE
  • It also discussed the outcomes of the South Korean president's recent visit to the Kingdom

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Tuesday chaired a Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
The Council of Ministers was briefed on the written message that the king received from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit regarding bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them at all levels.
It reviewed the outcomes of meetings and talks that the Kingdom held with a number of countries. 
These meetings were aimed at supporting ties, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation in a way that would take relations to new horizons, enhance joint coordination toward international issues, and contribute to the consolidation of security, stability, prosperity, and development in the region and the world.
The council discussed the results of the visit by South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Saudi Arabia and the talks he had with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which the two sides reviewed and discussed bilateral relations, ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed regional and international developments and the efforts made in this regard. The council was also briefed on the various field agreements that were reached during the visit.


Acting Media Minister Majed Al-Qasabi told the official Saudi Press Agency that the council discussed developments in various arenas and reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection and condemnation of the attacks launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia on civilians and vital installations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as its attacks on international navigation routes in the Red Sea aimed at destabilizing the region’s security and stability.
The minister added that the council stressed the urgent need for international action, especially by the UN Security Council, to put an end to this aggressive behavior in a manner that preserved international peace and security.
He said the Cabinet touched on what representatives from Western and Gulf Arab countries had concluded after their meeting in Riyadh where they discussed joint efforts to support the stability and prosperity of Sudan.
The Council of Ministers approved draft agreements with Pakistan on prisoner transfer, combating crime, and a memorandum of understanding on combating drug trafficking. It also authorized the minister of interior, or his representative, to negotiate with other countries regarding cooperation against similar crimes.
It commissioned the tourism minister to discuss with Jamaica a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of tourism. 


A cooperation agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the World Tourism Organization to develop human capabilities through e-learning was also approved.
The council also approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for cooperation in the field of direct investment promotion, and a draft declaration of intent between the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It authorized the Kingdom’s minister of finance, or his representative, to negotiate with the British side in this regard.
The council authorized the chairman of the board of directors at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to discuss a draft memorandum of cooperation between the Kingdom and Malaysia in the field of mutual recognition of halal certificates for local products.
It approved employee appointments and promotions in several ministries and state agencies.
The in-person appearance of the king at the meeting reflects how Saudi Arabia is returning to normal life despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It also coincides with the return of millions of students to schools.


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

  • Several senior ministry officials attended

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.