JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday emphasized the highest standards of efficiency, quality, coordination, and integration among relevant authorities while implementing the annual plan for the Hajj pilgrimage season of 2025. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session in Jeddah on Tuesday. While reviewing the Hajj plan, the Cabinet noted that the Kingdom's efforts aimed to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, supported by the extensive development projects and advanced infrastructure, which enhance all aspects of service and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for pilgrims from all around the world. The Cabinet expressed the pride of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people, in the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. This reflects the Kingdom's pioneering Islamic role and longstanding commitment since its unification by the late King Abdul Aziz. The Cabinet prayed to God Almighty to enable pilgrims to complete their rituals in peace and return safely to their homelands. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary stated that the Cabinet reviewed the content of recent talks and meetings between the Kingdom and various countries aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on regional and international issues. The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom's participation in the recent summits between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as with China. These engagements reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for international initiatives promoting sustainable development and regional stability, contributing to a prosperous future for all nations. The Cabinet welcomed the announcement of a new oil discovery in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It described the development as a positive step that enhances cooperation in the energy sector and reflects the success of joint exploration and development efforts. The Cabinet reviewed regional and international developments, reiterating the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian cause. It called for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the cessation of violations by Israeli occupation authorities of international laws and norms. The Cabinet praised the launch of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition's regional program for Sahel countries, inaugurated in Mali. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in combatting terrorism and its financing through joint action and the exchange of expertise. On the domestic front, the Cabinet lauded the transformative initiatives under the Health Transformation Program, which have enhanced the quality and comprehensiveness of healthcare, improved preventive and traffic safety measures, and advanced digital health services in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. The Cabinet also acknowledged the Kingdom's recent achievements and high rankings on global indices, including its second-place position among G20 countries in the UN International Telecommunication Union's 2024 ICT Regulatory Tracker. The Council affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to comprehensive and sustainable development through economic diversification, optimization of its competitive advantages, stimulation of local and foreign investment, empowerment of Saudi citizens, and the creation of job opportunities across various sectors. The Cabinet approved the organization of the General Authority for Food Security. It endorsed amending the organization of housing support, as stated in the decision. The Cabinet adopted a mechanism for integrating the roles of relevant entities in monitoring non-ionizing radiation. The Council approved the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Marshall Islands at the level of non-resident ambassador, and authorizing the minister of foreign affairs or his deputy to sign the draft protocol in this regard. It authorized the minister of foreign affairs or his deputy to sign a draft agreement between Saudi Arabia and China regarding the exemption of airline crew members from entry visas. The Cabinet approved a memoranda of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the cultural field between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and each of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia, the Ministry of Culture of Russia, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Benin. The Cabinet approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kosovo in the field of air transport services. It approved a MoU between the General Authority for Competition of Saudi Arabia and the Competition and Antitrust Council of Iraq for cooperation in promoting competition and combating monopolistic practices, and another MoU of cooperation on development cooperation between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.
