Saudi Cabinet Congratulates Donald Trump on Inauguration, Reviews Key Initiatives and Agreements
Alula, The Gulf Observer: The Saudi Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, extended its congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as President of the United States during a session held in AlUla on Tuesday. The Cabinet reaffirmed the robust relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.
Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, outlined the Cabinet’s discussions on recent regional and international developments. The Council expressed optimism that the Gaza ceasefire agreement could pave the way for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The session highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, which focused on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. The Cabinet commended milestones such as the launch of the Saudi-Singapore Strategic Partnership Council and the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, which aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global partnerships.
The Council reviewed the outcomes of several significant international conferences hosted by the Kingdom, including the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, which underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving pilgrims. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed over 18 million foreign Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and remains dedicated to improving services for all visitors.
Al-Dossary noted the success of the fourth Future Minerals Forum, where 126 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth SR107 billion were signed. These agreements are expected to stimulate growth in domestic and international sectors.
The Cabinet also reviewed achievements in agriculture and water management, recognizing advancements in food and water security and sustainable development.
Key decisions approved by the Council included:
- National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor: Aimed at bolstering labor rights in the Kingdom.
- International MoUs and Agreements: Covering diverse fields such as sports, civil defense, Islamic affairs, nature reserves, virtual health, and intellectual property. Highlights included agreements with Italy, China, Tajikistan, Mongolia, the World Economic Forum, and Kyrgyzstan.
- Customs Cooperation: Approval of an agreement with Kuwait to enhance mutual assistance in customs matters.
- Development Cooperation: A draft agreement between the Saudi Fund for Development and Italy’s Deposits and Loans Fund.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved cooperative agreements in broadcasting and television with Bahrain and a memorandum between Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation.
The Council reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and implementing initiatives that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
