RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Cabinet reiterated strong condemnation and disapproval of the Iran-backed Houthi militia's continued launch of ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones, deliberately targeting civilians and civilian facilities in the Kingdom. Terming the attacks as terrorist and savage, the Cabinet said that the Houthi militia continues to reject the ceasefire initiative announced by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. At the outset of a virtual session chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Tuesday, the Cabinet reviewed reports on coronavirus pandemic locally and globally. The Cabinet was briefed about confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Kingdom and the medical care being provided to the infected patients. The Cabinet was also apprised of the latest efforts to identify and monitor the spread of the virus. As part of the measures taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus, more than two million laboratory tests were conducted and the capacity of hospital intensive care units in the past three months has increased by 30 percent, the Cabinet was informed. The Cabinet reviewed the efforts and preparations of government bodies participating in this year's Hajj season as well as their executive plans that aim at providing the highest levels of safety and security for pilgrims. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Minister of State and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Issam Bin Saad Bin Saeed said that the Cabinet discussed the efforts made by the Kingdom in response to its responsibilities as the president of the G20, including continuing to back up internationally exerted efforts to enhance the World Trade Organization, formulating a strategic vision for member states to consolidate the role of trade in bolstering economic growth and realize sustainable development. The Cabinet also reviewed issues discussed during a G20 conference held under the chairmanship of the Kingdom and the Paris Forum on restoring balanced levels for international capital flows and consolidating financing for development and confronting ensuing challenges of their volatilities, due to the health and economic fallouts of coronavirus pandemics and exceptional procedures taken by the governments around the world, as well as their central banks in response to the crisis, on health and economic levels, to maintain the stability of world financial system. Dr. Issam Bin Saeed also said that the Cabinet reviewed the latest developments on regional and international arenas, highlighting the Expo held on the sidelines of the virtual counter-terrorism week 2020, in which Saudi Arabia reiterated its permanent stance and partnership with the United Nations in combating terrorism and extremism, resulting in the establishment of the Center for Combating Terrorism funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the Kingdom affirmed its continued support for the Center, encouraging member states and the UN to support countries in achieving their regional and national counter-terrorism strategies.
