King expresses pride in Saudi development, security, prosperity

JEDDAH: King Salman on Tuesday expressed pride in the Kingdom’s development in all areas as it celebrates its 87th National Day this year, with citizens and residents enjoying security and prosperity.
Addressing a regular Cabinet session at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, he also referred to the care and concern given to pilgrims and visitors, the development of the Two Holy Mosques and holy sites, and improvement of services in this regard.
The king thanked leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for congratulating Saudi Arabia on its National Day, which he said embodied national unity, love and loyalty to the homeland. He also thanked citizens for showing their joy over the occasion.
The Cabinet lauded the Kingdom’s constructive role in various Arab, Islamic, regional and international issues based on good neighborliness, moderation, dialogue, cooperation, respect for the sovereignty of other countries and non-interference in their affairs.
The Cabinet also lauded the monarch’s directive to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) to allocate $15 million to support Rohingya Muslims fleeing genocide and oppression in Myanmar.
The Cabinet expressed satisfaction with a report by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) noting 1.7 percent growth in the national economy last year, as well as other positive economic indexes.
The Cabinet authorized the justice minister, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Tajikistan a draft agreement for cooperation between the two countries’ judiciaries.
It authorized the minister of energy, industry and mineral resources, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Russia a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Saudi Geological Survey Authority and its Russian counterpart.
The Cabinet approved a general agreement on cooperation between the Saudi and Lithuanian governments, and an MoU on consultations between the Saudi and Ethiopian foreign ministries.
It approved a general agreement on cooperation between the Saudi and Tanzanian governments, and an MoU on consultations between the Saudi and South African foreign ministries.
The Cabinet authorized the minister of labor and social development, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Russia a draft MoU on cooperation between the two countries’ labor ministries.
It also authorized discussions with Russia on a draft MoU on communications and information technology.
The Cabinet authorized the Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corp. to sign a contract with Japan’s New Energy Development Organization and other companies to set up a reverse osmosis desalination plant in the Kingdom.