Riyadh, SPA:
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired yesterday a Cabinet's virtual session.
At the outset of the session, the Cabinet reviewed local and international reports and developments related to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the registered cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was also reassured about the comprehensive health and medical care being provided to the infected people, reiterating the assurance by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques that the health and safety of citizens and residents are at the forefront of his interests in light of the health and economic pandemic facing the world, which called for urgent solutions to face it. The Cabinet stressed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' hope for everyone to take safety measures to limit the spread of this pandemic.
The Cabinet commended the great support by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for the concerned sectors, which made their capabilities and readiness at the highest levels. It also praised early precautionary measures to prepare for and control 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.
The Cabinet reviewed the gradual return to normal conditions in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the new concept based on social distancing, stressing the need for citizens and residents to continue their commitment to precautionary and preventive measures to confront COVID-19. 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 its great confidence in the efficiency of the health system and its evolving capabilities, thanks to the great support being provided by the leadership and the state's investment in the health system's infrastructure over the years, which enabled it to respond quickly and highly to the challenges being posed by the pandemic and provide health care for all despite the exceptional conditions. The Cabinet appreciated the noble work of health practitioners, which contributed to saving lives, stressing that their country will not forget their sacrifices.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Acting Minister of Media, stated that the Cabinet discussed what was confirmed in the 11th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on reaffirming the continued commitment of the participating producing countries in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ (DoC) to a stable market, the mutual interest of producing nations, the efficient, economic and secured supply to consumers, and a fair return on the invested capital, in addition to the improvement in oil markets as a result of the reduction in the production of (OPEC +) countries.
The Cabinet praised the efforts of (OPEC +) countries participating in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ (DoC), on the necessity of the contribution of all major oil producers from outside of (OPEC +) countries to the stability of the oil market, and what was agreed upon to achieve the desired balance of global oil markets and their stability, and the approval of holding the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Production Control, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on a monthly basis until December 2020.
The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’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 Saudi Arabia has allocated, during its participation in the virtual Global Vaccine Summit, organized by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), USD 150 million, out of the total amount pledged by Saudi Arabia in the Extraordinary Virtual Leader’s Summit of the G20, which comes as an extension of the Kingdom's continuous international humanitarian efforts.
The Cabinet discussed the outcomes results of the Yemen High-Level Pledging Event 2020, which was organized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with the United Nations under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince with the participation of more than 126 parties, including 66 countries, in addition to international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The pledges amounted to USD1.350 billion, including USD 500 million announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the humanitarian response plan for Yemen, and the plan to confront (COVID-19), stressing its firm position on supporting Yemen and its people. The Kingdom affirmed its keenness to reach a sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis, and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people to support humanitarian, economic and development aspects, in a way that reflects on Yemen's security and stability.
Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi indicated that the Cabinet reviewed a number of issues on the latest developments at regional and international arenas, reiterating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's welcome of the Egyptian efforts aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis. The Cabinet supported the call for a ceasefire and international efforts calling to stop the fighting and return to the political track, urging all Libyan parties to take precedence over the national interest, the immediate ceasefire and starting urgent and comprehensive political negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, in a manner that guarantees the return of security and stability to Libya, preserves its territorial integrity and safety and protects it from external interference.
The Cabinet also expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rejection of the plans and measures issued by Israel to annex lands in the West Bank and impose sovereignty over them, denouncing any unilateral actions, any violations of international legitimacy decisions, and all that undermine the chances of resuming the peace process to achieve security and stability in the region, stressing the steadfast stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the Palestinian people.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's commitment, during the meeting of the Global Coalition against Terrorist Organization (ISIS), through supporting the coalition's efforts to eliminate the ISIS and its cells and prevent its funding.
The Cabinet reviewed topics on its agenda, including some being co-studied by the Shura Council. The Cabinet was also briefed on the outcomes reached by the Economic and Development Affairs Council, the Political and Security Affairs Council, the General Committee of the Cabinet, and the Bureau of Experts at the Cabinet.
The Cabinet decided the following:
First: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Sports - or his representative - to discuss and sign with the Serbian side a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Sports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia for cooperation in the fields of sports and youth.
Second: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance - or his representative - to discuss and sign with the Chadian side a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Chad in the field of Islamic affairs.
Third:
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of health insurance system between the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea.
Fourth:
The Cabinet approved the Kingdom's accession to Nice Agreement Concerning the international Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks.
Fifth:
The Cabinet approved an agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of Kosovo to avoid double taxation and to prevent tax evasion with regard to income taxes.
Sixth:
The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Transport, who is also Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation - or his representative - to sign a draft multilateral memorandum of cooperation regarding security threat information targeting the civil aviation system.
Seventh:
The Cabinet approved a document (Initiative) between the public sector and the private sector as well as the executive program regarding the project to provide medical imaging services (radiology). The Cabinet approved an executive program of the project between the public sector and the private sector regarding the project to provide medical imaging services (radiology) and on contractual frameworks at (7) health facilities in the second health gathering in Riyadh region.
Eighth:
The Cabinet approved to renew a membership of a number of members at the board of directors of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.
Ninth:
The Cabinet approved to amend 4th article of the regulation of the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises. The Cabinet also approved to renew a membership of a number of members at the board of directors of General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Tenth:
The Cabinet approved to grant (First Milling Company, Second Milling Company, Third Milling Company and Fourth Milling Company) permits to operate flour production mills. The Cabinet also approved that the ownership of these companies are transferred to the National Center for Privatization.
Eleventh:
The Cabinet approved to amend the regulation of Civil Service.
Twelfth:
The Cabinet approved the regulation of Mining Investment.
Thirteenth:
The Cabinet approved to amend 35th article of the regulation of Judiciary.
Fourteenth:
The Cabinet approved to renew a membership of a member at the board of directors of the General Organization for Social Insurance as a representative of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
Fifteenth:
The Cabinet approved a number of promotions at the ranks of (14 and 15).
The Cabinet was briefed on a number of issues on its agenda and took relevant recommendations towards them.