The Council is following up on the results of the work of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee for Commercial, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and the second phase of the road map for the implementation of the framework of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries

NEOM - The Council of Ministers held its session today, Tuesday, 20 Shawwal 1442 AH, corresponding to June 1, 2021 AD - via video communication - headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister.

At the beginning of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Council on the content of the phone call with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taymur, Sultan of Oman, and the contents of the written message from Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait.

The Cabinet touched on the meeting held by Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, with Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, noting in this context the historical relations between the two brotherly countries.

Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, the Minister of Information in charge, stated that the Cabinet reviewed the entirety of the discussions and consultations to expand the horizons of cooperation between the Kingdom and a number of brotherly and friendly countries in various fields, including the results of the work of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee for Commercial, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and the agreement reached. On the second stage of the road map to implement the framework of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries, and about (60) areas, and put (51) opportunities and projects on that map during the next two years.

The Cabinet followed up the latest developments and developments in the current political issues in the region and the world, and the efforts made towards them in a way that enhances security and stability.

The Council dealt with a number of reports related to the Corona pandemic at the local and international levels.

The Council of Ministers reviewed the topics on its agenda, including topics that the Shura Council participated in studying, as well as the findings of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the General Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the Council of Experts in the Council of Ministers in this regard.

The council concluded the following:

First: To authorize the Minister of Energy - or his representative - to negotiate with the Chilean side regarding a draft agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Republic of Chile for energy cooperation, sign it, and then submit the final signed copy, to complete the legal procedures.

Second: Approval of two general agreements for cooperation between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the governments of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Third: To authorize the Minister of Tourism - or his representative - to negotiate with the Spanish side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of tourism between the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the Kingdom of Spain, and to sign it, and then submit the final signed copy, to complete the legal procedures .

Fourth: To authorize the Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority - or his representative - to sign a draft memorandum of understanding between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, and then submit the final signed copy, to complete the legal procedures.

Fifth: Establishing a body called the "Research, Development and Innovation Development Authority".

Sixth: Approval of the organizational structure and guide for the General Secretariat of the Higher Committee for Umrah.

Seventh: Approving the rules and arrangements for how employees and workers are treated in the sectors targeted for transformation and privatization.

Eighth: Approval of the organization of the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector.

Ninth: Rashid bin Muhammad Al-Jalajil was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Social Development Bank, representing the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Tenth: The Minister of Finance authorizes the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority to issue any of the decisions related to the national, Arab and Gulf rules of origin, and authorizes His Excellency the Minister of Trade, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, the authority to issue any of the decisions related to the tools related to the protection of the national industry that governs it Relevant international agreements that are outside the jurisdiction and powers of government agencies.

Eleventh: Approval of the amendment of Article (4) of the regulation of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, issued by Cabinet Resolution No. (496) dated 9/14/1439 AH regarding the formation of the Authority’s Board of Directors, as mentioned in the decision.

Twelfth: Approval of promotions to the (fifteenth) and (fourteenth) ranks, and appointment to a position (Minister Plenipotentiary).