للسعودية حقها المشروع في الدفاع عن نفسها وحماية سيادتها ومواطنيها والمقيمين فيها ومصالحها الحيوية

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the session held by the Council of Ministers today in Jeddah.

At the beginning of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Council of Ministers on the content of the phone call he received from the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, and on the outcomes of his meeting with the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, as well as the discussions with both sides regarding the latest developments in the region.

The Council of Ministers strongly condemned the continued criminal and deliberate attacks by the Houthi terrorist militia on civilian targets and civilians in the Kingdom, affirming that the security of this country, the safety of its territories, and its resources are a fundamental principle that cannot be compromised, and its legitimate right to defend itself and protect its sovereignty, its citizens, residents, and vital interests; in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the provisions of international law.

On the local front, the Council of Ministers approved the national strategy for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Enhancing Collective Response to Common Global Challenges

Minister of Information Salman bin Yusuf Al-Dosari stated in his statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session that the Council of Ministers followed the developments in the region and the world, and the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish security and peace; relying on a dialogue approach in managing international issues, and working to support avenues of cooperation with the international community through its institutions and organizations; which contributes to enhancing the collective response to common global challenges.

The Council of Ministers discussed the results of the Kingdom's participation - as an invited state - in the eighteenth summit of the BRICS leaders held in the Indian capital, New Delhi; which included affirming its interest in enhancing communication with various countries around the world regarding areas of mutual cooperation that serve development, stability, and prosperity, and support the ability of international work systems to fulfill their responsibilities.

Adding Nuclear Energy to the National Energy Mix from Various Sources

The Council addressed the Kingdom's confirmation at the seventieth session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency that it has established itself over decades as a reliable energy source and an active partner in stabilizing its global markets, alongside moving forward in building a national energy mix that is more diverse and sustainable; including adding nuclear energy to this mix within a solid regulatory framework that aligns with international commitments.

He indicated that the Council of Ministers welcomed the participants in the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence Ethics currently hosted by the Kingdom; as part of its ongoing efforts to support international multilateral dialogue on emerging technologies, and its firm commitment to promoting the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence and protecting human values; to build an inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Decisions:

The Council of Ministers reviewed the topics listed on its agenda, including topics studied by the Shura Council, and was briefed on the conclusions reached by both the Council of Political and Security Affairs and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the General Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the Experts Committee of the Council of Ministers regarding them. The Council concluded the following:

- Authorizing the Minister of Investment - or his representative - to negotiate with the Irish side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Ireland for cooperation in encouraging direct investment, and to sign it.

- Approving a headquarters agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Institute of Internal Auditors.

- Approving a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Industry and Construction in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of mineral resources.

- Authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Fahd National Library - or his representative - to negotiate with the Bahraini side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the library and the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, and to sign it.

- Authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Insurance Authority - or his representative - to negotiate with the Kuwaiti side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the authority and the Insurance Regulatory Unit in the State of Kuwait regarding cooperation and information exchange in the field of insurance and reinsurance, and to sign it.

- Approving the national strategy for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises.

- Approving the inclusion of the Ministry of Investment in the membership of the Permanent Committee for Combating Money Laundering.

- Adopting the final account of King Abdulaziz University for a previous financial year.

- Directing what is necessary regarding several topics listed on the Council of Ministers' agenda, including annual reports for the Efficiency and Government Projects Authority, the General Presidency for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the Premium Residency Center, and the National Center for Palm and Dates.

- Approving the promotion of Mohammed bin Ali Al-Shahrani to the position of (General Director) at the (14th) rank in the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.