RIYADH: The Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed the Kuwait Declaration issued at the end of the 38th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting and its emphasis on King Salman’s vision — approved by the GCC summit in 2015 — which laid down the basis for integration between the GCC member states in all areas.
Chaired by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the Cabinet lauded the GCC’s pivotal role in preserving peace and stability in the region and fighting terrorist groups and extremist ideology.
Cabinet members also appreciated the unanimous global rejection of US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the transfer of the US Embassy to it.
The Cabinet renewed the Kingdom’s deep regret over the US decision, which, it said, represents a great bias against the legitimate and historic rights of the Palestinian people in Al-Quds, which were guaranteed by the relevant international resolutions.
It also asked the US administration to revoke the decision and side with the international will allowing the Palestinians to regain their legitimate rights.
At the regional level, the Cabinet congratulated the Iraqi government and people for liberating their lands from Daesh.
The Cabinet also condemned the terrorist attack on a New York City subway on Monday. It also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s rejection of terrorism and extremism in all forms and manifestations regardless of their sources.
On atrocities committed against the Rohingya Muslims, the Cabinet welcomed the resolution of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva for its rejection of the systematic violations of human rights in Myanmar, notably among the Rohingyas.
At the local level, the Cabinet appreciated King Salman’s patronage of a ceremony honoring the winners of King Khalid Prizes for 2017, which according to the Cabinet, embodied his care for non-profit national foundations and their encouragement to pursue their constructive social and humanitarian efforts in the Kingdom.
Later, the Cabinet approved a series of decisions including the start of gradual correction for prices of some energy products. It also approved a consumer protection plan in light of the economic reforms and approved the establishment of a joint operation room for various government agencies to bolster protection of consumers during the forthcoming economic reforms.
The Cabinet also approved a number of memorandums understanding for cooperation in the areas of fishery resources, trade and investment, and political consultations between the Kingdom and Indonesia, the Philippines, Georgia and Afghanistan.
Saudi Cabinet lauds GCC’s role in preserving regional peace
Saudi Cabinet lauds GCC’s role in preserving regional peace
Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers
- First of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children
- Second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support
RIYADH: The Charity Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh has launched two initiatives to improve the lives of orphaned girls and single mothers.
Mohammed bin Saad Al-Muharib, general manager of the society, also known as Ensan, said the first of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program will run for a full academic year and include a range of activities with psychological, spiritual, linguistic, social, health and economic dimensions.
Al-Muharib said the program would feature regular meetings, visits and excursions with the ultimate goal of providing the youngsters with the tools they needed to navigate a successful future.
The second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support to help them achieve personal and professional success.
The scheme will comprise 90 hours of practical training designed to raise awareness of their educational responsibilities, addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of their children and teaching them critical life skills.
Both programs will be overseen by the Specialized Council for Orphan Associations in the Kingdom and supported by the Abdul Latif Al-Essa Charitable Foundation. The King Salman Social Center will provide logistical support in the form of venues for holding the training courses.
Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.
Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers
- The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.
The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.
The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.
The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.
Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.
This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.
The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.
King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week
RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.
The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.
The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.
The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.
The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.
The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.
Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.
In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.
