RIYADH: The Shoura Council called on the Ministry of National Guard on Tuesday to set priorities for development plans for some of its sectors and to employ local talent.
The council adopted the resolution during its ordinary session presided over by Dr. Abdullah bin Salim Al-Mutani, deputy chairman of the council.
Dr. Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan, assistant speaker of the council, said in a press statement following the session that he adopted the resolution after hearing the views of the Security Affairs Committee on the members’ comments and opinions on the annual report of the Ministry of National Guard for the fiscal year 1438/1439 AH (2018), put forward during a previous session by the head of the committee, Maj. Gen. Ali Asiri.
The Shoura Council also urged the ministry in its resolution to establish sports and recreational buildings and facilities in the National Guard’s camps.
Al-Samaan added: “In another resolution, the Shoura Council called upon the Ministry of Telecommunications and IT to coordinate with the Presidency of State Security to accelerate the integration of the digital certification program and the National Information Center.”
The council adopted its resolution after hearing the views of the Committee on Transport, Communications and Information Technology on the members’ comments and opinions on the ministry’s annual report for the fiscal year 1438/1439 AH (2018), put forward during a previous session by the head of the committee, Gen. Nasser Al-Otaibi. In its resolution, the council called on the ministry to ensure the implementation of the decision that obliges government agencies to develop their services, data and techniques and ensure their compatibility with the technologies associated with the national platform.
The council called on the ministry to accelerate vacating the frequency bands, which are still hindering the implementation of modern technologies, including fifth-generation wireless (5G), in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The council also urged the ministry to encourage the private sector to establish training centers that help attract competent human resources and train to employ them in the ICT industry.
The council called on the ministry to adopt a government program to increase local content and Saudize the ICT industry in line with Vision 2030. In another resolution adopted during the session, the Shoura Council urged the Decision Support Center to cooperate with the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue and put more effort into developing the system of public opinion surveys and measuring trends across the Kingdom.
The council then discussed the report of the Committee on Hajj, Housing and Services on the annual report of the Ministry of Housing for the fiscal year 1438/1439 AH (2018), put forward by the head of the committee, Dr. Tarek Fadaak.
In the recommendation it submitted to the council, the committee called on the Ministry of Housing to clarify a number of the products delivered to citizens as part of the Sakani program, in addition to what was not delivered and the reasons behind it.
Saudi Shoura urges National Guard Ministry to employ local talent
Saudi Shoura urges National Guard Ministry to employ local talent
- The council called on the ministry to adopt a government program to increase local content and Saudize the ICT industry in line with Vision 2030
- Council wants private sector’s increased role in HR development
49th Saudi relief plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt
- The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them
RIYADH: The 49th Saudi relief plane carrying food baskets for Gazans arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Tuesday.
The plane was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them.
The war in the Strip has pushed much of Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, the UN says, and has devastated its medical facilities, where hospitals, if working at all, are running short of fuel to power generators and other essential supplies.
Riyadh forum to combat financial crime and corruption
- Brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing
- Two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime
RIYADH: The inaugural Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units begins Wednesday in Riyadh, hosted by the Presidency of State Security.
It brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing through enhanced cooperation and capabilities.
The two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively, according to the forum’s website.
Recognizing the need for a multi-faceted approach, the forum focuses on cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines to combat corruption.
Through international collaboration, elevating local institutional integrity, and engaging citizens, the forum aims to tackle corruption and financial crime challenges effectively.
Leveraging private sector efforts, deploying technology for transparency, and addressing root causes of corruption are also part of the agenda.
The event will feature 75 speakers from 25 countries, including Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, head of Qatar Financial Information Unit; Samya Abou Sharif, director of the Jordanian Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit; Dr. Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; and Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute.
By uniting government agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the forum harnesses collective wisdom and expertise against financial crime.
The forum also facilitates networking, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, fostering partnerships and concrete initiatives for progress in anti-corruption efforts.
Saudi FM meets with Kuwaiti counterpart
- The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting for Arab League foreign ministers in Manama, Bahrain.
The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest.
Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership
RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.
The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.
Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.
The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.
Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.
The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.
Saudi FM calls for resumption of Sudan talks
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in tensions between warring factions in Sudan.
He made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
The foreign minister urged the two sides, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s call for a return to dialogue.
He also called for an end to further civilian suffering and the country’s devastating humanitarian situation.
Saudi Arabia, alongside the US, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two Sudanese sides to end the war.
On the subject of the war in Gaza, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia has warned of dangerous repercussions of Israel’s widening of its scope of operations in its campaign against Hamas.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls for the international community to intervene immediately to stop the war.
Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in the country, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the warring parties, which will start the process of economic development and recovery.
