JEDDAH — The Council of Ministers on Monday lauded the major role being played by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in achieving security and stability of the region as well as the progress and prosperity of its member states. The weekly session of the Council, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, made these observations on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of GCC. Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Turaifi said the Cabinet also appreciated the integrated projects and great achievements made by the Gulf states. The Council thanked the GCC leaders for their support and attention toward advancing the joint work in order to achieve the aspirations of the GCC citizens for realizing further cooperation, interdependence and integration. Al-Turaifi said the Cabinet welcomed the declaration of the International Conference on Libya, held recently in Vienna, to support the government of the national accord in Libya as the only legitimate authority. The Council was also briefed on the results of the ministerial meeting of the Group of International Support for Syria held in Vienna last week. The Cabinet expressed its deepest condolences to president, government and people of Egypt over the crash of EgyptAir plane over the Mediterranean while on its way from Paris to Cairo. The minister said the Cabinet commended the signing of the agreement for the formation of Saudi-UAE Coordination Council, two memoranda of understanding and two executive programs with the government of South Korea, and the comprehensive cooperation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking. The Cabinet approved the organization of Prince Sultan Center for Defense Studies and Research. The center aims at promoting and supporting the Kingdom's defense and security directives through conducting and developing qualitative technological research associated with the defense, security and strategic fields. The Cabinet authorized President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) or his deputy to discuss and sign two draft memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism and cultural heritage between SCTH and the French ministries of tourism and culture. The Council approved the agreement with Japan to encourage and protect mutual investments signed in Jeddah earlier. It also authorized minister of health or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with India's ministry of health and family welfare for cooperation in the fields of health.
