On Tuesday afternoon at Al-Salam Palace here, the Cabinet approved the establishment of duty-free markets in airports, seaports, and land ports.
Passengers arriving and departing the Kingdom can purchase in these markets under the Cabinet decision.
During the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the contents of the letter he received from the Chinese President regarding bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Cabinet then reviewed the recent talks and meetings that took place between Saudi Arabian officials and their counterparts in a number of countries, in order to develop relations and increase the effectiveness of collective action through regional and international organizations and groups.
The Cabinet in this regard addressed the contents of Saudi Arabia's participation in the ministerial meetings of the G20, which were held in Bali, Indonesia, as Saudi Arabia highlighted its efforts to accelerate the growth of the digital economy, technology and innovation, and bridge the digital divide through strategic initiatives and projects to connect the world.
As a result, it attaches great importance to education both locally and internationally, since it is a key driver of development and a fundamental right.
Dr. Essam Bin Saad Bin Saeed, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shoura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media, spoke to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). He reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for everything that guarantees the security and stability of Iraq and preserves its capabilities, gains, and people, as well as the development of events at a regional and international level.
Saudi Arabia participated in the Arria meeting held at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) headquarters, as the Cabinet noted that cross-border terrorist threats require a rapid and comprehensive response from the international community, as they affect civilians, vital and civilian facilities, energy supplies, and economic stability.
During the meeting, the Cabinet discussed Saudi Arabia's support for the two initiatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to modernize Seibersdorf laboratories ReNuAL2) and Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) as extensions of its continuous contributions to the efforts of IAEA and its initiatives aimed at developing its capabilities in a way that enhances its vital role in harnessing the atom for peace and confirms the Kingdom's positive stance towards nuclear energy and technology and its peaceful and safe development.
The Cabinet appreciated the follow-up on drug smuggling and promotion networks, as well as the contribution of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), in coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, in thwarting the smuggling of about 47 million amphetamine pills.
It has been authorized by the Cabinet for the Minister of Culture to hold discussions with the Indonesian side concerning a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology.
A draft memorandum of understanding between the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and the Bahraini Army General Command in the field of academic, medical, training, and research services was authorized to be discussed by the university's president with the Bahraini side.
A memorandum of understanding regarding academic cooperation between the University of Jeddah and the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics at the University of Buffalo in USA was also authorized by the Cabinet to the president of the University of Jeddah.
In the field of air transport services, the Cabinet approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Ghana. The meeting also approved a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation between the Saudi Human Rights Commission and the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It authorized the president of the General Court of Audit to hold talks with the Tajik side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the General Court of Audit in Saudi Arabia and the Accounts Chamber in Tajikistan for cooperation in accounting, oversight and vocational work, sign it, and refer the final signed copy to formal procedures.
The Cabinet approved the regulations of reconciliation committees in regions, as well as the minutes of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council agreement and authorized the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs to sign it.
