Cabinet praises success of Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet appreciated the success and competency of the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces in intercepting and destroying the ballistic missiles fired from Yemeni territory at civilian areas in the Kingdom.
During its session held on Tuesday in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, chaired by King Salman, the Cabinet stressed that this criminal aggression by the Houthi militia is evidence that Iran continues to support the Houthis, in defiance of the UN Security Council Resolutions 2216 and 2231.
King Salman thanked the leaders of the friendly countries for their condemnation of the ballistic missile attacks.
The Cabinet also believed this aggression was a proof of Iran’s destructive role in smuggling missiles to the terrorist militias.
It strongly condemned the bombing in Alexandria in Egypt, the explosion in front of a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the car bomb blast in southern Afghanistan, and the shooting and hostage-holding in Trebes in France, SPA reported.
It offered its condolences to the victims’ families and the governments and people of Egypt, Somalia, Afghanistan and France, reiterating the Kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence and extremism, its solidarity with friendly countries against these acts, and its support for these states’ efforts in combating terrorism.
It also offered its condolences to the Russian government and people, as well as the families of the victims who died after fire broke out in a shopping center in Kemerovo.
King Salman briefed the Cabinet on the two telephone conversations he had received from the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
He also briefed the Cabinet on his discussions with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso.
In a statement presented by the acting Minister of Culture and Information, Dr. Essam bin Saad, the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the US President Donald Trump, who thanked the Kingdom for its efforts in bringing peace, security and stability to the region and confirmed the US’ historical commitment toward the Kingdom’s security and stability.
The Cabinet approved assigning the minister of labor and social development— or his deputy— to discuss with Tunisia the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on social development between the Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs.