JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers strongly condemned the continued hostile attacks by Iran against Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as actions threatening maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.The Cabinet session, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, stated that these Iranian acts constitute a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. It reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the two countries and its full support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty and security. At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the contents of the phone call Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they reviewed areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries, regional and international developments, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's participation in regional and international meetings, as part of its commitment to strengthening cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, advancing multilateral action toward further progress across various fields, and enhancing collective response to current challenges in the region and the world. The Cabinet expressed its support for the outcomes of the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States of America, including the affirmation of the strategic partnership between the two sides and continued coordination and consultation on international issues of mutual interest, contributing to supporting regional security and stability and protecting common interests. On the domestic front, the Cabinet reviewed infrastructure development plans across the Kingdom aimed at supporting continued growth. In this context, it noted the launch of a new phase of the Developed Districts Program in Makkah and the commencement of the fourth package of projects under the Riyadh Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program. These initiatives are expected to keep pace with urban expansion, enhance the urban landscape, improve quality of life, and strengthen transportation services. He also stated that the Cabinet commended the launch of the inaugural Saudi Water Week as a national, regional, and international platform for advancing global dialogue on water issues, highlighting Arab priorities, and reinforcing the Kingdom's pivotal role in the water sector.The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's continued efforts to develop practical solutions and forge strategic partnerships that contribute to achieving water security, promoting the efficient use of natural resources, and accelerating collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable water future.It further commended the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority's winning of the 2026 UN Public Service Award, noting that the recognition adds to the Kingdom's growing record of achievements in leveraging data and advanced technologies to support development and build a sustainable, knowledge-based digital economy. The Cabinet praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the effectiveness of its proactive security plans in combating drug trafficking and apprehending smugglers and dealers. It also commended the ministry's achievements in confronting this scourge and mitigating its dangers, thereby enhancing public security and safeguarding the nation's gains. The Cabinet approved two general cooperation agreements between the governments of Saudi Arabia and the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia, and approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the governments of Saudi Arabia and South Africa on cooperation in the field of labor. It authorized the minister of investment or his deputy to sign a draft bilateral investment protection agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and India. The Cabinet approved a MoU between the government of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Competition, and the government of Bahrain, represented by the Authority for the Promotion and Protection of Competition, and another MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the Italian Department for Sport of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers on cooperation in the field of sport. The Council approved a MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Chilean Ministry of Mining in the field of mineral resources, and a memorandum of scientific and educational cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Education and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (the Gulf Arab States Educational Research Center). The Cabinet authorized the minister of industry and mineral resources and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Pakistani side a draft MoU on geological scientific cooperation between the SGS and the Geological Survey of Pakistan. The Cabinet approved a MoU in the field of combating terrorism and terrorist financing between the Saudi Presidency of State Security and the Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security, and another MoU between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) in Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federal Archival Agency. The Cabinet decided that the maximum number of model years for heavy transport trucks permitted for import into the Kingdom shall be calculated based on the model year rather than the year of manufacture. The Council also decided that some sections of the Saudi society, who are beneficiaries of the social security system, are exempt from the requirement to add dependents in their residence in order to calculate the minimum pension. They include the elderly; those who have no income; people with disabilities; and orphans with special circumstances who have no family.
