NEOM — Saudi Arabia's Cabinet congratulated Sudan's leadership and its people on the peace agreement between the transitional government and a number of rebel groups. The Cabinet stressed that the Saudi government is determined to continue its support for the efforts aimed at preserving Sudan's sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity, and protection from external interference. The Saudi Cabinet also pledged the government support for the Sudanese people in achieving their legitimate aspirations and hopes and expressed the Kingdom's confidence in the ability of Sudanese citizens to move forward and overcome the consequences of the past and create a bright future. At the outset of the virtual session chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Cabinet noted the contents of King Salman's speech before the Urban 20 (U20) Mayors Summit regarding the keenness of Saudi presidency of the G20 on issues of urban development, its programs and projects in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. In his speech, King Salman asserted that the highest and immediate priority is to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its health, social and economic consequences while calling for combined efforts to find a vaccine for the virus. He also called on the urban leaders to ensure that justice and inclusiveness are provided to all, taking into account the needs of the poorest countries. The Cabinet valued the support given by the Saudi leadership to the real estate and housing sector, which plays a central role in economic development, and its keenness to help citizens meet their needs and enable them to own their homes following the issuance of the royal order exempting all real estate supplies made by way of transfer of ownership and sale from VAT, according to specified procedures and controls. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Minister of State and Acting Minister Dr. Issam Bin Saad Bin Saeid pointed out that the Cabinet reviewed the developments of the Coronavirus pandemic at the local and international levels, and the statistics in the Kingdom, showing a continuing decline in active and critical cases infected with the virus, and the continued increase in recovery cases. The Cabinet followed the start of the implementation of the first phase of the gradual return to Umrah pilgrimage, and the precautionary and preventive measures that have been taken to provide the utmost care for the visitors of the Grand Mosque. The Cabinet addressed the Kingdom's celebration of the International Teacher's Day, noting that the teachers find the support and interest of the leadership to enable them to fulfill their mission, train and qualify them, and provide the capabilities that enhance their participation, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeid pointed out that the Cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments, stressing the Kingdom's demand at the United Nations on the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, to the international community to assume its responsibilities toward Iran's violations of international agreements and treaties committed, especially the nuclear agreement called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which does not constitute any deterrent to Iran from its nuclear aspirations. The Cabinet reviewed topics on its agenda, including some being co-studied by the Shoura Council.
