Saudi Cabinet Keen to Continue Economic Growth, Comprehensive Development

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Cabinet Keen to Continue Economic Growth, Comprehensive Development

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday its determination to continue to forge ahead on the path of economic development and comprehensive development.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held virtually amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The cabinet added that it will continue to preserve financial sustainability and implement financial reforms that would support economic growth and diversify its activities with the aim of achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious development goals.

King Salman briefed the cabinet on the telephone talks he held on Monday with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in wake of the cyclone that struck the Sultanate and left at least 11 people dead. He also briefed the ministers on the message he received from US President Joe Biden that hailed the historic relations between their countries.

The ministers reviewed the Pre-Budget Statement for the Fiscal Year 2022, including the Fiscal and Economic Performance Report FY 2021. They also tackled the main fiscal objectives and economic indicators estimates for Fiscal Year 2022 over the medium term, as well as the key initiatives and programs that will be implemented during the coming fiscal years within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi said that the cabinet reviewed the efforts to develop the tourism sector and increase its contribution to the GDP. It highlighted efforts to develop several tourist destinations in the Kingdom, including the recent launch of the Strategy for the Development of Aseer Region.



ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
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ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).

Participants at the fourth international conference of ASEAN countries, “Khair Ummah,” condemned on Tuesday the Houthi militia’s launch of drones and missiles toward Makkah and Madinah and its targeting of civilian sites in Saudi Arabia.

ASEAN rejected the Houthi’s actions saying it threaten Islamic holy sites and the safety of civilians.

In the conference’s final statement, the participants denounced what they said are criminal acts targeting Muslim holy sites and civilian targets in Saudi Arabia.

The statement praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote unity and strengthen solidarity by hosting and supporting the conference, emphasizing its role in serving Islam and Muslims and promoting a moderate and balanced approach.

Participants called for moderation, tolerance and efforts to counter extremism, saying such values help build safe and stable societies.

The final statement said Islam rejects injustice, aggression and terrorism, and called on scholars and preachers to promote sound Islamic teachings and tolerant values, including through modern technology and artificial intelligence.

Participants also called for continued cooperation among scholars and Islamic institutions in ASEAN countries to counter extremism and promote unity.

The Cambodia-hosted conference was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

It brought together about 130 scholars, researchers and Islamic figures from Saudi Arabia and ASEAN countries for eight sessions on Muslim unity, moderation and cooperation.


Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports
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Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport came under attack on Monday evening, adding that emergency teams and relevant authorities began responding immediately in line with approved procedures and plans.

The authority said the attacks slightly injured three people and caused material damage. The injured were taken to hospital for medical treatment, it added.

GACA said it was continuing to coordinate with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff and maintain the security and safety of the Kingdom's civil aviation system.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned the attacks on Saudi airports, calling them a serious escalation and violation of international law. He urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security measures.


GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
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GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backed efforts to promote peace and prosperity.

The GCC statement came during a phone call between Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi and Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba. The two officials discussed the latest developments in Yemen amid the country’s current circumstances and rapidly unfolding events in the region.

Albudaiwi reiterated that Yemen’s security and stability are of fundamental importance to the security and stability of GCC states and the wider region. He said the council would continue to stand with Yemen and its people and support all efforts to promote security, stability, peace, dignified living and prosperity.