The Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, commended Saudi Arabia's advanced and unprecedented positions in three international indicators that were announced recently. The Saudi's lead position in the UN's e-Government Development Index, the Global Innovation Index (GII) issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the education and knowledge indices in the World Digital Competitiveness Rankings 2022 report released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) was praised. The Cabinet also stated that the objectives of the state's general budget for the fiscal year 2023 come as a continuation of the work to strengthen Saudi Arabia's financial position, maintain high positive rates of economic growth, continue to empower the private sector, stimulate the investment environment, and implement projects and programs of Vision 2030. At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the content of the letters received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince from leaders and heads of a number of countries, concerning relations and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields. The Cabinet addressed the recent participation of Saudi Arabia in a number of international meetings and conferences and their results including electing Saudi Arabia as a member of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and member of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This trust reflects part of Saudi Arabia's influential role in international organizations as well as the international recognition that it receives at the global level. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet's Member for Shoura Council Affairs and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam Bin Saad Bin Saeed said the Cabinet, on the occasion of World Teachers' Day which is held under theme "Transformation in Education Begins with Teachers", praised the role of teachers in the transformation and construction process. He added, the Cabinet appreciated their outstanding efforts in contributing to the development of the society and their significant impact on upgrading the educational process and enriching knowledge. The Cabinet followed up the development of the events on the regional and international arenas, reiterating the total rejection of all attacks that threaten the security and stability of Iraq and the importance of the international community standing up against all Iranian violations that contradict international laws, charters and norms. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of cooperation between the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the energy field. It authorized the Minister of Communications and Information Technology to hold talks with the Finnish side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Finland for cooperation in the fields of ICT and digital economy. It authorized the Minister of Media and Chairman of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority to hold talks with the Bahraini side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Media Affairs in Bahrain for cooperation in the fields of radio and television. The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and the Chairman of the Family Affairs Council to hold talks with the UN Women regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Family Affairs Council in Saudi Arabia and the UN Women in the women's affairs field. It approved the transfer of the jurisdiction of licensing the industrial consultations and mining consultations and relevant specializations from the Ministry of Commerce to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. It also approved the transfer of ownership of the visitors' center at Al-Faw archaeological site in Wadi Al-Dawaser Governorate from the King Saud University to the Heritage Commission. — SPA
