RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has highlighted the serious threat posed by the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip to both regional and international security and underscored the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chaired the Cabinet session held in Riyadh.
At the start of the meeting, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet about the content of the phone call he received from Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and on his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, after the Cabinet session, told the Saudi Press Agency that the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent participation in international meetings.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s stance expressed at the BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, emphasizing its rejection of escalation in the region. The session highlighted the severe threat posed by the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip to both regional and international security and underscored the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, the necessity of unhindered humanitarian aid, and a firm commitment to achieving lasting peace.
The Cabinet hoped that the first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held on Wednesday in Riyadh, will lead to practical steps supporting UN efforts and peace initiatives and establish a timeline for the realization of an independent Palestinian state and the end of occupation.
The Cabinet also reiterated the Kingdom’s emphasis during the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty regarding the necessity of collective assistance for Lebanon in facing its current crisis, mitigating its humanitarian consequences, and aiding the Lebanese state institutions in fulfilling their constitutional duties to establish sovereignty over all of Lebanon’s territories.
The further Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the pledges of countries and donor entities to provide financial and in-kind contributions to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region.
The Cabinet also welcomed the participants in the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII8) conference, which started in Riyadh on Tuesday under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Cabinet looks forward to the conference contributing to enhancing efforts to achieve economic stability and just development, combat climate change globally, and address issues related to artificial intelligence, innovation, and health.
The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF) organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The Cabinet lauded the recent agreements worth more than SAR55 billion announced at the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh, which aim to invest in the latest global technologies, strengthen international partnerships, localize pharmaceutical industries, and support research and development, showcasing the Kingdom’s leadership in the health sector.
Additionally, the Cabinet valued the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum.
The Cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding for political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of San Marino.
The cabinet authorized the minister of commerce and chairman of the board of directors of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, or a deputy, to negotiate with representatives from Bahrain, Qatar, and Estonia regarding draft memoranda of understanding and cooperation between the authority and the Labor Fund in Bahrain, the Qatar Development Bank, and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, aimed at developing the small and medium enterprises sector, fostering start-ups, and promoting entrepreneurship.
