Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to global security, stability at start of Ramadan

In Riyadh, the weekly session of the Council of Ministers, presided over by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global security and stability with the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The Crown Prince, addressing the Cabinet, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors during this sacred time, invoking prayers for peace and stability across Islamic nations and the world.

Following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary conveyed that the Cabinet extended heartfelt congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on the onset of Ramadan. The session commended the King’s address to citizens, expatriates, and Muslims worldwide, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The Cabinet was apprised of discussions between Saudi Arabia and various nations and organizations, aimed at bolstering solidarity, cooperation, and international efforts to address regional humanitarian crises and global challenges. Notably, the Council reaffirmed, during an Extraordinary Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, Saudi Arabia’s stance on halting Israeli aggression in Gaza and advocating for the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.

Al-Dosary highlighted the Cabinet’s call for all parties in Sudan to adhere to the outcomes of the Jeddah talks, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a political resolution to halt hostilities and pave the way for stability and prosperity in the country. Additionally, the Cabinet expressed optimism regarding the potential contributions of the First International Conference on Sand and Dust Storms to global efforts in addressing climate change, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental initiatives.

Moreover, the Council recognized the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s acknowledgment of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to quality education in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Emphasizing the importance of global engagement, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of LEAP 24 and underscored the growth of the non-profit sector, reflecting ongoing government support for social and economic development.

Finally, the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs to negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy to establish a strategic partnership council. Additionally, it approved MoUs for cooperation with Georgia and Korea in various fields, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering international partnerships. Moreover, the Cabinet endorsed the transfer of licensing jurisdiction for customs consulting from the Ministry of Commerce to the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, streamlining administrative processes.