RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman chaired the Cabinet session in Riyadh on Tuesday, where a groundbreaking decision was made to amend Article 51 of the Code of Law Practice. This amendment marks a significant shift, enabling foreign law firms to provide consultations related to Saudi laws. The Cabinet's decision, announced by Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, reflects a forward-looking approach to legal practices in the Kingdom. This move is poised to enhance international collaboration, legal expertise exchange, and facilitate smoother cross-border transactions. While the Cabinet covered a range of topics, including recent diplomatic engagements, regional developments, and global recognitions received by Saudi Arabia, the decision to open avenues for foreign law firms stands out as a strategic move toward legal inclusivity and global cooperation. The Cabinet applauded the fruitful official visits by the presidents of Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, as well as the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia. These visits resulted in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, fostering enhanced cooperation across diverse fields. Al-Dosari conveyed the Cabinet's appreciation for the positive outcomes of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Riyadh Summit. Co-chaired by the Crown Prince and the president of Indonesia, the summit is expected to fortify collaboration between GCC and ASEAN countries, benefiting their respective populations and providing opportunities for development, progress, and prosperity. While diplomatic successes were celebrated, the Cabinet also addressed the pressing situation in Gaza and the escalating violence. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its staunch rejection of targeting civilians under any pretext. Emphasizing the importance of immediate efforts to cease military operations and de-escalate the situation, the Cabinet highlighted the potential dangerous ramifications on the security and stability of the region and the world at large. In addition to its geopolitical considerations and regional concerns, the Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's hosting of the 26th meeting of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly in 2025. The re-election of Saudi Arabia as the president of the WTO Executive Council was also commended as recognition of the Kingdom's leadership in the tourism sector. The Cabinet extended congratulations to the winners of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management in the Islamic World, emphasizing the nation's commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and innovative solutions to address current and future challenges. Furthermore, the Cabinet discussed agreements signed during the Riyadh-hosted Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2023, anticipating that these agreements will contribute to the sector's efficiency and expand investment opportunities. Among its decisions, the Cabinet approved the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bhutan at a non-resident ambassador level, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening international ties. It also granted authorization for discussions on cooperation in the economic field with South Africa and Senegal. In a bid to combat corruption, the Cabinet approved a draft joint declaration of intent between the Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) and the National Financial Prosecutor's Office of France. This emphasizes the Kingdom's dedication to international collaboration in preventing and combating corruption. Finally, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Human Rights Commission and the Qatari Ministry of Labor to cooperate in combating human trafficking, aligning with global efforts to address this critical issue. The amendment allowing foreign law firms to provide consultations on Saudi laws is expected to foster a more globally integrated legal landscape, attracting international legal expertise and fostering mutual understanding in the legal domain.
