RIYADH: The Saudi Council of Ministers, led by King Salman, convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss recent diplomatic engagements that focused on bolstering relations with neighboring countries.
During the session, the council examined discussions held by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with international leaders. These dialogues aimed to strengthen ties across various sectors between Saudi Arabia and these nations.
The council reviewed phone conversations between the crown prince and key figures, including the presidents of Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt.
The conversations underscored the Kingdom's commitment to engaging with international and regional stakeholders to de-escalate tensions in Gaza, prevent further regional unrest, and provide enduring support to the Palestinian people in their quest for legitimate rights and sustainable peace.
The council reaffirmed the kingdom's support for efforts aimed at stabilizing global oil markets and contributing to worldwide economic growth, focusing on discussions related to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Monitoring Production within the OPEC+ group.
Saudi Arabia welcomed countries and international organizations participating in the climate week in the Middle East and North Africa for the year 2023, highlighting the nation's leading role in international affairs, environmental protection, carbon emissions reduction, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable development.
The council praised the inauguration of the International Center for Nuclear Security by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Seibersdorf, Austria, an initiative that the Kingdom actively supported. This reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to global nuclear security and counter-nuclear terrorism efforts.
The session also acknowledged the Kingdom's achievements in various international indicators, including its second-place global ranking in the growth rate of incoming tourists and continuous progress in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's maritime navigation network connectivity index.
The council announced an increase in the basic minimum for pension calculations and extended additional support for beneficiaries of the Citizen's Account Program for three months.
The council made amendments related to land transport, statistics, and the transportation of civilian and military personnel. It also abolished specific export controls on surplus agricultural machinery and equipment and addressed several other general topics during the session.
