Saudi Crown Prince Chairs Cabinet Session In Jeddah - Business Today Middle East
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime MinisterPrince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudchaired a Cabinet meeting inJeddah, where ministers reviewed regional developments, international cooperation and a series. . .
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime MinisterPrince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudchaired a Cabinet meeting inJeddah, where ministers reviewed regional developments, international cooperation and a series of new agreements aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s global partnerships. During the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his recent phone call withUS President Donald J. Trump, during which both leaders discussed regional developments and their wider implications. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed the importance of prioritising dialogue, reducing tensions and pursuing diplomatic solutions that promote regional security and stability. The Crown Prince also updated ministers on separate conversations withKing Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain,Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa,Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, andSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing issues of mutual interest. Following the meeting,Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Media Yousef Al-Benyansaid the Cabinet welcomed growing international backing for the Saudi-ledMultinational Maritime Defense Alliance, describing it as an important initiative to enhance maritime security and safeguard shipping routes, trade corridors and energy supplies across the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. The Cabinet also expressed hope that the agreement on thedecommissioning of weapons in the Gaza Stripwould support the implementation of a comprehensive peace plan that guarantees the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. Ministers praised the diplomatic efforts ofEgypt, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States, and theBoard of Peacein advancing the agreement. The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian efforts by announcing preparations to host theFifth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forumnext April. The forum aims to strengthen international humanitarian cooperation, build strategic partnerships and improve the delivery of aid to communities affected by crises worldwide. The Cabinet also reviewed the performance of several national programmes and strategies, commending the achievements of thePilgrim Experience Programand its continued efforts to enhance services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Ministers highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in improving the pilgrimage experience from arrival to departure. In addition, the Cabinet welcomed theInternational Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report, which highlighted the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy and its ability to adapt to global challenges. The report cited the Kingdom’s strong economic fundamentals, diversified economy, sound fiscal planning, financial stability and structural reforms implemented underSaudi Vision 2030, noting that several national objectives have been achieved ahead of schedule. During the meeting, the Cabinet approved several agreements and memorandums of understanding, including:A general cooperation agreement withEcuador. An investment promotion and protection agreement withKazakhstan. A civil aviation cooperation agreement withSpain. A maritime transport cooperation agreement withSomalia. Authorisation for discussions with South Korea on technical and vocational training cooperation betweenTVTCand theKDI School of Public Policy and Management. A memorandum of understanding between theSaudi Space Agencyand theTurkish Space Agencyon the peaceful use of outer space. The accession of the Ministry of Interior’s General Administration of Medical Services to theInternational Hospital Federation.