Riyadh: His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired a Cabinet session in Riyadh today. HRH the Crown Prince informed the Cabinet about a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, where they discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip. Both leaders emphasized the importance of alleviating humanitarian suffering, securing a full Israeli withdrawal, and taking practical steps towards a just peace based on the two-state solution.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and peace globally. The session welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms for lasting peace and stability.
In a statement after the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary indicated that the Cabinet reviewed development program plans across various government agencies. These plans focus on enhancing service quality, productivity, and harnessing capabilities for sustainable development. The Cabinet also lauded the launch of the King Salman Gate project, which aims to transform Makkah's infrastructure and improve services for Grand Mosque visitors.
The Cabinet highlighted ongoing efforts to boost housing supply and achieve real estate balance across Saudi regions. These measures aim to provide diverse housing options and attract investors to the Saudi market. The Kingdom's receipt of global awards in open education, rural development, and rail transport was also noted, reflecting its commitment to excellence and global leadership.
The success of the Saudi International Rail Exhibition and Conference was praised, with participation from 22 countries and over 50 contracts and agreements signed to support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The Cabinet addressed additional items on its agenda, resulting in several decisions:
First, the minister of foreign affairs, or a deputy, is authorized to discuss and sign with Sudan a draft agreement to establish a Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council.
Second, a headquarters agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) was approved.
Third, a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Education and an Italian higher school of commerce and business for cooperation in human capital development was approved, with the minister of education, or a deputy, authorized to sign it.
Fourth, the establishment of a University of Strathclyde's branch in Riyadh was approved.