E-Media:
Jeddah - Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the cabinet on the discussions, consultations, meetings and contacts he made over the past few days with leaders and envoys of friendly countries including the phone call he received from Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja said that the Cabinet discussed the inspection tour the King made to King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology which will be opening later this year. He added that the Cabinet considered the commencement of studying at the new university at this date a major step forward.
Dr. Khoja also added that the cabinet listened to a report on combating Swine Flu (H1N1)-- declared pandemic by World Health Authority (WHO)-- as well as preparations for containing the virus spread in this year's Hajj season , stressing the importance of concerted efforts regionally and internationally especially those advised by WHO and world Authorities for combating the disease.
It also discussed latest developments especially the situation in Palestine as well as the results of US envoy's recent visit to the region regarding US commitments and peace efforts in the region, Dr. Khoja added.
The cabinet approved a committee named (the National Committee for Clean Development Mechanism) under the supervision of the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. The cabinet decided that the state would continue to finance activities of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to promote domestic tourism. It also approved forming of tourism development companies to develop new resorts. Such companies will receive state funding.