RIYADH, 27 February — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd yesterday welcomed the pilgrims who have come from different parts of the Islamic world to perform Haj and said the Kingdom would continue its efforts to ensure the security and welfare of the guests of God.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet meeting, the king highlighted Saudi Arabia's historic Islamic role in the organization of annual pilgrimage. He urged the pilgrims to cooperate with the government agencies that provide them with various services, and follow the instructions given by Saudi authorities.

More than two million pilgrims from within and outside Saudi Arabia are expected to take part in this year's Haj which will start on March 3. The Saudi government has completed all preparations for the annual event, the largest Muslim gathering in the world. Interior Minister Prince Naif, who is also chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, inspected the Haj arrangements in Makkah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa on Sunday.

The Cabinet appointed Saleh ibn Eid Al-Hosaini as government representative to the board of directors of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation in place of Muhammad Al-Muslim, who has been appointed secretary-general of the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consultancy. It also appointed Dr. Ali ibn Muhammad Al-Najae, as Information Ministry undersecretary for television affairs.

The Cabinet approved alterations in the charter of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization. As per the changes, Arabsat can invest its funds to establish new companies or take share in other firms. Information Minister Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi said the next Cabinet meeting would be held on March 19.

Royal Decree: King Fahd yesterday issued a Royal Decree granting ministerial rank to Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah, adviser at the crown prince's court, and Khaled ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Tuwaijeri, deputy head of the crown prince's court and his personal secretary.