Saudi Cabinet Highlights Progress, International Achievements, and Visionary Goals

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, highlighted the remarkable achievements and progress made by Saudi Arabia during the current year. The Council of Ministers attributed this success to the divine guidance, the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and the unwavering determination of the Saudi people to drive the nation’s comprehensive and sustainable development.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet thanked King Salman for his generous support for the Riyadh public transport project, consisting of train and bus networks, from its inception to its realization. The Council emphasized that the project marks a substantial advancement in infrastructure development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for citizens and residents.

The Cabinet acknowledged hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 as a significant milestone that will elevate Saudi sports to new heights. By organizing and hosting an extraordinary edition of this global event, the Kingdom aims to solidify its position as a leading nation.

The session also reviewed recent talks and consultations with leaders from various countries, covering bilateral relations, regional developments, and international affairs. Particular focus was placed on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and Syria. The Cabinet reiterated its commitment to seeing the Palestinians establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital and urged global participation in a high-level international conference in New York City in June 2025, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue peacefully through the two-state solution.

The Cabinet commended the successful visits of French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Kingdom, noting their contribution to expanding cooperation in various fields, advancing mutual interests, and enhancing international coordination.

Discussing regional and global developments, the Cabinet condemned the Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on Syrian territory and their violations of international law. The Council reiterated its support for the Syrian people and their aspirations for security and stability.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation, reviewing the outcomes of regional and international events hosted by the Kingdom. It emphasized the significance of the One Water Summit in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia showcased its leadership in addressing global water challenges. The establishment of the Global Water Organization was highlighted as a step towards sustainable water management and equitable access to clean water worldwide.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of COP16, held under the Kingdom’s presidency, for mobilizing international efforts and securing over $12 billion to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought. The Council also reviewed the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, launched by the Crown Prince, which focuses on protecting the Red Sea ecosystem, fostering cooperation for sustainability, and supporting the transition to a blue economy.

Highlighting the Kingdom’s humanitarian initiatives, the Cabinet underscored Saudi Arabia’s role in combating hunger and poverty through its membership in the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, as well as the contributions of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and Saudi Fund for Development.

The Cabinet praised the success of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins in Riyadh, reflecting the Kingdom’s medical leadership, which aligns with Vision 2030 healthcare goals. It also expressed ambitions to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in biotechnology, citing the outcomes of the third Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit and agreements worth over SR10 billion at CPHI Middle East to localize gene therapies and support production of vital medicines and vaccines.

The adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states was welcomed as a key milestone in fostering innovation and creativity. Additionally, the Cabinet noted recent credit rating upgrades as evidence of Saudi Arabia’s successful economic reforms and sound financial policies.

The Cabinet approved the salary scale for engineering jobs and endorsed the organizational arrangements of the National Marine Information Center. It also reinforced the regulatory capabilities of the National Cybersecurity Authority and approved standard incentives for the industrial sector.

In aviation, the Council approved a model memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and its international counterparts. It authorized the Minister of Transport and Logistics, or his deputy, to discuss and sign agreements for cooperation in civil aviation.

The Cabinet endorsed an MoU for legal cooperation between the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers and Singapore’s Ministry of Law. It also approved the tripartite agreement between Saudi Arabia, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), and UNESCO, recognizing ICAIRE as a Category 2 Center under UNESCO’s auspices.