Saudi Arabia’s cabinet rejects interference in the Kingdom’s affairs

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs the council of ministers’ weekly session. (SPA)

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia rejects any interference in its internal affairs, and is capable of protecting its interests, maintaining its security and preserving its achievements against extremist ideologies, the Cabinet said on Tuesday during a session chaired by King Salman.
It hailed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s interview with Bloomberg in which he emphasized Saudi Arabia’s political, economic, military, security and social agendas, its reform and development plans, and its stances on various regional and international issues.
Media Minister Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad said after the session that the Cabinet reviewed reports on the latest regional and international developments and events.
“Saudi Arabia provided over the past eight years $1.03 billion in humanitarian assistance to refugees around the world, $239.7 million in assistance through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and $93.2 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM),” he added.
The Cabinet discussed the Arab Parliament’s recent meetings in Cairo that discussed a peaceful solution to Yemen’s conflict and condemned Iran’s support for Houthi rebels, their launching of ballistic missiles against Saudi Arabia, and Tehran’s threats against neighboring countries, Al-Awwad said.
The Cabinet condemned a suicide attack that targeted an election rally in eastern Afghanistan, and a terrorist attack that targeted a military convoy in southeast Turkey, killing and injuring dozens.
Saudi Arabia has pledged to support Afghanistan and Turkey in their fight against terrorism, the Cabinet said, offering condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.
The Cabinet commended the care given by the Kingdom to the Qur’an, including King Salman’s patronizing of a Saudi-organized international competition to memorize, recite and interpret the holy book.
The competition was held at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah with 115 contestants from 82 countries.
The Cabinet approved the assignment of the transport minister, or whoever he appoints, to discuss with his Iraqi counterparts draft agreements on maritime transport cooperation and on organizing passenger and cargo transport by land.