الموافقة على تنظيم المعهد الوطني لأبحاث الصحة

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

During the session, the Council discussed the current regional developments, particularly the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizing the welcome of the steps taken regarding the proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war on Gaza, release all hostages, and immediately commence negotiations to agree on implementation mechanisms.

The Council reviewed the overall international meetings hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its approach to enhancing multilateral dialogue and intensifying joint coordination that serves international peace and security, contributes to addressing global challenges, and provides supportive conditions for development.

On the local front, the Council of Ministers approved the organization of the National Institute for Health Research in its session yesterday.

Enhancing the Kingdom's Global Leadership in Cybersecurity

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari stated in his statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session that the Council praised the contents of the meeting of the leaders of the Munich Security Conference held in Al-Ula with the participation of senior officials from various countries to exchange views on developments in the region, global food, climate, and energy security issues, in addition to international trade and economic cooperation.

The Council of Ministers appreciated the results of the second ordinary session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council hosted by the Kingdom and the achievements made in its first year in enhancing joint work, cooperation, and solidarity in the field of cybersecurity; contributing to reaching a secure and reliable Arab cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity.

The Council commended the outcomes of the fifth edition of the International Cybersecurity Forum held in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the initiatives launched therein that embody the Kingdom's global leadership in this field, its continuous support for international partnerships, and all that contributes to the prosperity of individuals and the well-being of communities.

Supporting Economic Growth and Development and Social Spending

The Minister of Media indicated that the Council welcomed the selection of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development in 2029, which came in recognition of its status and its national, regional, and global contributions to supporting the developmental role of culture and stimulating innovation and creativity.

On the local front, the Council of Ministers considered the indicators of the preliminary statement of the general budget for the fiscal year (2026) as a confirmation of the continued support for comprehensive economic growth and the ongoing developmental and social spending directed according to national priorities; in parallel with enhancing the financial strength of the Kingdom, ensuring the sustainability of public finances, and moving forward with implementing structural reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the economy, diversifying it, and increasing its competitiveness; contributing to achieving the objectives of (Vision 2030).

Decisions:

The Council reviewed the topics listed on its agenda, including subjects studied by the Shura Council, and also reviewed the conclusions reached by both the Political and Security Affairs Council and the Economic and Development Affairs Council, 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 Foreign Affairs - or his representative - to negotiate with the Thai side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding for political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and to sign it.

- Authorizing the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture - or his representative - to negotiate with the Azerbaijani side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Agriculture in the Republic of Azerbaijan in the agricultural field, and to sign it.

- Approving a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Health and Population in the Arab Republic of Egypt for cooperation in health fields.

- Approving a memorandum of understanding between the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Statistics Estonia in the Republic of Estonia for cooperation in the field of statistics.

- Approving the organization of the National Institute for Health Research.

- Approving the establishment of a branch of the University of New Haven in Riyadh.

Appointments and Promotions:

Appointment of Engineer Maher bin Abdulrahman Al-Qasim, Dr. Mohammed bin Omar Al-Abdulatif, and Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Odan as members of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Public Administration with expertise and specialization.

Approval of promotions and appointments at the ranks of (fifteenth) and (fourteenth), as follows:

- Promotion of Dhaif Allah bin Ramadan bin Sunaidah Al-Anzi to the position of (Senior Legal Advisor) at the rank of (fifteenth) in the General Security.

- Promotion of Abdullah bin Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri to the position of (Senior Business Advisor) at the rank of (fifteenth) in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

- Appointment of Saleh bin Hamid bin Said Al-Sanani Al-Juhani to the position of (Deputy Emir of the Region) at the rank of (fourteenth) in the Emirate of Medina.

- Promotion of Majid bin Rakan bin Majid Al-Ajmi to the position of (Business Advisor) at the rank of (fourteenth) in the Ministry of Interior.

- Promotion of Musaad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Mas'ad to the position of (Legal Advisor) at the rank of (fourteenth) in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The Council of Ministers also reviewed several general topics listed on its agenda, including annual reports from the Development Authority of Medina, the Digital Government Authority, the Public Irrigation Corporation, the Saudi Press Agency, the Alimony Fund, the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation, and the Council took the necessary actions regarding those topics.