Saudi Arabia affirms resolve to defend sovereignty, protect citizens and expats

JEDDAH — The Cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, maintaining the security of its citizens and expatriates, and safeguarding its national assets. After reviewing the latest developments in the region, the Council of Ministers affirmed that the Houthi terrorist militia committed a heinous act of aggression against civilian and economic targets in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, while continuing to target commercial vessels in the Red Sea and international maritime navigation. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet reiterated its categorical rejection of the hostile approach and criminal behavior that the Houthi extremist militia has consistently pursued in threatening the stability of Yemen and its Arab and Islamic neighbors. The Council directed that the highest levels of medical care and attention be provided to those injured in these terrorist attacks, praying to God Almighty for their speedy recovery and for the continued security and stability of the Kingdom. At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the content of his consultations and talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic. He highlighted that the discussions focused on various aspects of Saudi Arabia’s bilateral relations with these friendly nations, as well as ways to support and strengthen them at all levels. The Council expressed the Kingdom’s support for joint Arab efforts to halt Israeli violations and attacks on Jerusalem and the occupied territories, and to confront the blatant measures in Palestine, including expansionist policies, settlement activities, and forced displacement, all of which constitute violations of international law. Al-Dossary said that the Council discussed the outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in regional and international meetings, reflecting its continued commitment to strengthening communication with various countries and international organizations, and supporting joint coordination, including multilateral efforts. These efforts contribute to collective action to address global challenges, promote development and economic prosperity, and help build a more stable and progressive future. The Council welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed by the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Germany on establishing a strategic dialogue to enhance consultation, coordination, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The Cabinet reviewed several reports on international conferences and gatherings hosted by the Kingdom. In this context, it noted the success of the 26th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research and the contribution of its outcomes to strengthening integration among entities involved in the Hajj and Umrah system, enhancing coordination and partnerships, improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims, and supporting proactive decision-making based on scientific studies. The Cabinet commended the achievements of the LEAP 2026 global technology conference, which witnessed the launch of initiatives, agreements, and investments totaling nearly $15 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers, cloud computing, technology manufacturing, venture capital, and national capacity building. These achievements reinforce the Kingdom’s leading position as a global hub for innovation and future-oriented industries. The Council also considered the launch of new investment projects under the program for localizing water industries and services in the Kingdom as a strategic step in the sector’s development. This transition marks a shift from importing and operating technologies to developing, manufacturing, and exporting them, leveraging accumulated operational and knowledge-based expertise, as well as the Kingdom’s unique and integrated infrastructure. This approach will contribute to building more reliable supply chains and a robust industry capable of competing, expanding, and actively contributing to both the local and global economy. The Cabinet approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Spain regarding mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports. The Council endorsed an agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and the Swiss Federal Council regarding the encouragement and mutual protection of investments. It authorized the governor of the Saudi Central Bank or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Indonesian side a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia and the Central Bank of Indonesia for cooperation in the areas of work of central banks. The Cabinet approved a MoU for cooperation in the field of Arabic language service between the King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language in Saudi Arabia and the Muslim World League. The Council approved amending a number of articles of the Judiciary Law related to the ranks of the judicial corps and the conditions for filling them. The Cabinet approved establishing a reserve of a special nature called Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Reserve under the umbrella of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.