HRH the Crown Prince Chairs Cabinet Session in Riyadh

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held in Riyadh today.

 HRH the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the content of the phone call he received from French Republic President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, secure a full Israeli withdrawal, and agree on the importance of initiating practical steps to achieve a just peace based on the two-state solution.

 The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support for regional and international efforts to achieve security and peace worldwide, while reiterating its welcome of the agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.

 In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet discussed development program plans across several government agencies, particularly those related to the ecosystem of development projects and initiatives focused on enhancing service quality and productivity, and harnessing various capabilities and resources to achieve a prosperous future and sustainable development.

 The Cabinet commended the launch of the King Salman Gate project, noting that it represents a significant shift in the development of infrastructure in Makkah’s central area. The project aims to establish Makkah as a global model of urban planning and will be a major contributor to providing high-quality services to Grand Mosque visitors, aligning with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program.

 The Cabinet commended the ongoing implementation steps to enhance housing supply and achieve real estate balance across the Kingdom's regions. These efforts will support the process of construction and development, provide suitable and diverse housing options for citizens, and attract more investors and development companies to the Saudi market.

 The Cabinet regarded the Kingdom’s receipt of global awards in open education, rural development, and rail transport as confirmation of the state’s commitment and unwavering support in enabling these sectors to achieve continued excellence, competitiveness, and global leadership.

 The Cabinet praised the success of the Saudi International Rail Exhibition and Conference, noting that its second edition featured participation from 22 countries and the signing of over 50 contracts and agreements set to support the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

 The Cabinet addressed other items on its agenda and issued several decisions, including the following:

 First:

 Authorizing the minister of foreign affairs, or a deputy, to discuss and sign with the Sudanese side a draft agreement to establish a Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council.

 Second:

 Approving a headquarters agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD).

 Third:

 Approving a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Education and an Italian higher school of commerce and business for cooperation in human capital development, and authorizing the minister of education, or a deputy, to sign it.

 Fourth:

 Approving the establishment of a University of Strathclyde’s branch in Riyadh.