RIYADH – The Council of Ministers emphasized Monday that the participation of women as Shoura Council members would provide them a role in the Kingdom's decision making process and also strengthen the consultative body. The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, also hoped the upcoming Riyadh Arab Economic Summit would be a great success in serving Arab common interests. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the Cabinet session, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja said that the Council of Ministers wished all success to members of the newly constituted 6th Session of the Shoura Council. “The new Session comprises women as its members in line with the provisions of the Islamic Shariah. The entry of women into the Shoura, in accordance with a Royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, represents a major boost to its work and gives it a broad vision of choice by taking advantage of women's participation in the nation's decision making,” the Cabinet said while appreciating the contributions of Shoura members who represented its previous sessions. Crown Prince Salman, on behalf of King Abdullah, warmly welcomed the leaders and delegates of Arab countries attending the Arab Economic Summit, which will be held in Riyadh next Monday and Tuesday. The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's robust economic growth and diverse investment prospects. Referring to the general budget that projected a record SR820 billion spending for the current fiscal year, the Council of Ministers noted that the budget reflects the Kingdom's continued massive spending on welfare programs and development projects. “This aims at serving the nation and citizens through improving the highly advanced facilities and creating more employment opportunities.” The Cabinet emphasized the need for supporting the global efforts to realize the aspirations of the Syrian people in halting bloodshed and maintaining security, stability and unity of the country as well as its independence and sovereignty. The Cabinet also stressed the significance of exerting concerted efforts to assist Syria's displaced people and refugees, and end their suffering, especially in the wake of a wave of biting cold and snowfall sweeping the region. It appreciated King Abdullah's directives to give emergency relief assistance worth $10 million for Syrians refugees in Jordan, as an addition and support for the National Campaign to Support the Brothers in Syria, launched earlier, besides the Kingdom's aid pledge amounting to $100 million at the Marrakech conference in order to alleviate the suffering of the people in the war-ravaged country. – SG
