Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The concerned government and private agencies have been asked to redouble their efforts to provide all available facilities to the millions of faithfuls thronging the Two Holy Mosques during the last ten days of Ramadan. The call came from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman who was addressing the Council of Ministers at a regular Cabinet meeting here on Monday. King Salman directed the concerned agencies to ensure that the pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque are able to perform their religious rites and other obligations in peace and comfort. Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel Bin Zaid Al-Turaifi said the King specially mentioned speedy execution of the expansion projects in Makkah and Madinah. In this connection, the Cabinet praised King Salman's inauguration of several gigantic projects in Madinah, especially the iconic Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The ministers said the King's patronage of the Prince Naif awards shows his attention and interest in whatever best serves Islam and the Muslims. The Cabinet congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on being selected Personality of the Year for the service of the Holy Qur'an and his efforts, patronage, interest and care for the service of the Holy Qur'an during the honoring ceremony held by the International Organization of Memorization of Holy Qur'an. Dr. Al-Turaifi said the King briefed the Cabinet on the contents of the message he sent to King Abdullah of Jordan. The Cabinet welcomed the statement recently issued by interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council confirming that safety and security was the top priority of all Gulf states. The GCC ministers also decided to unitedly thwart the ignominious designs of terrorists who are acting in total violation of Islamic values, ethics and principles to achieve their despicable goals. The Cabinet also condemned the attack on Sinai checkpoints that resulted in the death of about 40 persons. The Cabinet reviewed a number of topics on local affairs. It thanked King Salman for his directive to disburse more than SR1.8 billion among social security beneficiaries as an aid for Ramadan outside of Zakat finances. The Cabinet also offered its condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the crown prince, the deputy crown prince and the royal family on the death of Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Bin Musaed, governor of the Northern Border region.
