Riyadh: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held today in Jeddah. At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the contents of the phone call His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received from President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. They reviewed areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries, regional and international developments, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Cabinet strongly condemned the continued hostile Iranian attacks on the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as those targeting maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions constitute a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's solidarity with the two brotherly countries and its full support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty and security.
In a statement to the agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's participation in regional and international meetings, as part of its commitment to strengthening cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, advancing multilateral action toward further progress across various fields, and enhancing collective response to current challenges in the region and the world.
The Cabinet expressed its support for the outcomes of the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States of America. This includes the affirmation of the strategic partnership between the two sides and continued coordination and consultation on international issues of mutual interest, contributing to supporting regional security and stability and protecting common interests.
On the domestic front, the Cabinet reviewed infrastructure development plans across the Kingdom aimed at supporting continued growth. It noted the launch of a new phase of the Developed Districts Program in Makkah and the commencement of the fourth package of projects under the Riyadh Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program. These initiatives are expected to keep pace with urban expansion, enhance the urban landscape, improve quality of life, and strengthen transportation services.
The Cabinet also commended the launch of the inaugural Saudi Water Week as a national, regional, and international platform for advancing global dialogue on water issues. This highlights Arab priorities and reinforces the Kingdom's pivotal role in the water sector. The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's continued efforts to develop practical solutions and forge strategic partnerships that contribute to achieving water security, promoting the efficient use of natural resources, and accelerating collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable water future.
The Cabinet further commended the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority's winning of the 2026 UN Public Service Award. The recognition adds to the Kingdom's growing record of achievements in leveraging data and advanced technologies to support development and build a sustainable, knowledge-based digital economy.
The Cabinet praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the effectiveness of its proactive security plans in combating drug trafficking and apprehending smugglers and dealers. It also commended the ministry's achievements in confronting this scourge and mitigating its dangers, thereby enhancing public security and safeguarding the nation's gains.
The Cabinet addressed other items on its agenda and issued several decisions, including approving general cooperation agreements with the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on labor cooperation, and authorizing a bilateral investment protection agreement with India. Additional agreements with Bahrain, Italy, Chile, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia were also approved. A new regulation for the import of heavy transport trucks was established.