Saudi Shoura Council lauds role of General Intelligence Presidency

RIYADH: The Shoura Council has asked the General Intelligence Presidency (GIP) to speed up the development of its strategic security plan and revise work policy in a manner that will serve its aims.
This came within a series of recommendations tabled by the House Security Committee based on the annual report of the presidency presented at the 18th ordinary session on Monday.
The council also called on the GIP to raise the efficiency of its human cadres through recruitment and training. In this context, the council members appreciated the role of the GIP in protecting the security and stability of the Kingdom.
In another decision, the Shoura Council called for support of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) that will enable it to upgrade its output of scientific research and creative activity in the public and private sectors. The council called for KACST’s support in raising spending on scientific research by at least 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to boost its role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The council, further, asked the KACST to expand scientific and technical cooperation programs with leading global institutions and recruit and localize global research cadres.
In another decision, the council called on the Saline Water Conversion Corp. to set up small-scale water plants along the coasts and on the banks of dams using renewable energy. It also asked the corporation to assess its long-term economic plan to shift from purely desalinating water to localizing the desalination industry.
The council urged the Saudi Food and Drugs Authority (SFDA) to fully undertake its responsibility to clear medicines and health products in all ports. It also called on the authority to ask medical firms to report on accidents related to medical products and supplies that may have negative effects on the safety of patients and medical staff.
On human rights issues, the council asked the Saudi Human Rights Commission to work out parameters to determine the level of performance in the light of human rights standards. It also asked the commission to coordinate with mass media to avoid publication of inaccurate information on cases and persons still under investigation.
In another decision, the council called on the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization to issue the required standards for imported or locally made solar energy products.