Saudi Cabinet reviews developments on agreement to resume relations with Iran

The Cabinet issued various decisions, including the approval of multiple MoUs with countries including China, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Costa Rica, Thailand and Congo. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 April 2023
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Saudi Cabinet reviews developments on agreement to resume relations with Iran

  • Cabinet briefed on phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, who discussed issues of common concern and reviewed bilateral relations
  • Among the topics discussed was the resumption of diplomatic relations with Iran

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet reviewed developments to resume relations with Iran and approved multiple memoranda of agreements in fields including tourism, energy, agriculture on Tuesday.

At the start of the session chaired by King Salman, the Cabinet was briefed on a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, who discussed issues of common concern and reviewed bilateral relations.

The Cabinet issued various decisions, including the approval of multiple MoUs with countries including China, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Costa Rica, Thailand and Congo.

Among the topics discussed was the resumption of diplomatic relations with Iran. The Cabinet stressed the importance of following up on the implementation of these plans to enhance mutual trust and expand the scope of cooperation to achieve security and stability in the region.

During the session, the Cabinet also approved an MoU between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Energy and the National Energy Administration in the People’s Republic of China to work together in the field of clean hydrogen energy.

Discussions were also held to draw up an MoU between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Another MoU was approved between the two countries to further cooperation in the field of tax administration. The agreement will allow for closer cooperation between the Kingdom’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and China’s General Tax Authority.

The Cabinet also discussed the expansion of cooperation with Turkiye through an MoU in the field of energy.

The ministerial meeting also witnessed the approval of an MoU in the field of environmental protection between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Technical Supervision in Kyrgyzstan.

Other agreements included an MoU between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism and the Costa Rica Tourism Institute to cooperate in the tourism sector.

In the field of investment, the Cabinet approved an MoU with Thailand to further cooperation and encourage investment.

Lastly, the Cabinet authorized the signing of an agreement in the field of air transport services with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


GCC secretary-general condemns attacks on member states

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi. (GCC)
Updated 11 sec ago
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GCC secretary-general condemns attacks on member states

  • Iranian attacks on GCC member states are a stark indication of Iran’s malicious intentions towards GCC countries, Al-Budaiwi said

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iranian attacks on member states targeting civilian and diplomatic facilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

An attack from two drones on the US Embassy in Riyadh caused a “limited fire,” on Tuesday according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry. It followed an attack on the US Embassy in Kuwait that announced Tuesday it had been closed until further notice.

These attacks constitute a clear violation of all international and UN laws pertaining to diplomatic missions, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said.

Al-Budaiwi also condemned attacks on civilian and residential facilities in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.

He said Iranian attacks on GCC member states are a stark indication of Iran’s malicious intentions towards GCC countries and its persistent efforts to destabilize security and stability in the region and the world.

He emphasized that targeting the territories of GCC member states is unacceptable under any pretext or justification, and that Iran must immediately cease its barbaric attacks.

He reiterated the solidarity of all GCC member states and their unified stance in confronting these brutal Iranian attacks to defend their sovereignty, security, and national interests.