The Saudi cabinet stressed on Tuesday that the water security of Egypt and Sudan was an integral part of Arab national security.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting, which was held via video-conference due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The ministers stressed the Kingdom’s rejection of any action or measure that violates the water rights of Nile River countries, urging the need to resume negotiations with “good intentions” in order to reach a “fair agreement that achieves the interests of all sides.”
The Arab League had held an extraordinary meeting last week to tackle the Nile dam dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. It approved the formation of a committee that would follow up on the developments in the dispute and coordinate with the United Nations over the issue.
The cabinet reviewed the latest local and international developments linked to the coronavirus pandemic. They followed up on the implementation of treatment protocols and the latest infections and recoveries reported in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the ministers expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation to the Islamic and international support and praise for its decision to hold this year’s holy Hajj pilgrimage with very limited numbers and only for people residing in Saudi Arabia. The decision was taken due to the ongoing pandemic.
The ministers were briefed on the preparations to hold the Hajj. They include providing the highest levels of medical and security services to the pilgrims.
The cabinet then reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, ending Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital. It condemned all illegal Israeli policies and practices.
It also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in helping the Yemeni people restore their state and push forward the political process to end the conflict in their country. It called on the United Nations Security Council to assume its responsibilities and stand firmly against the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militias’ attacks against civilian locations in Saudi Arabia.
