Second Deputy Premier chairs Cabinet Meeting

Jeddah, August 03, SPA -- Second Deputy Premier and Minister of
Interior Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today the Cabinet
meeting at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah.



At the outset of the session, Prince Naif briefed the cabinet on the
discussions and consultations made by the King and the Crown Prince
over the past few days with leaders and envoys of friendly countries
regarding the recent developments on the international arena
including his meeting with Sudanese Vice President Ali Othman
Mohammed Taha.



He also briefed the cabinet on the meeting held by Foreign Minister
Prince Saud Al Faisal with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton who
stressed the important U.S. role in the peace process in the region.



In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session,
Minister of Higher Education and Acting Minister of Culture and
Information Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Ankari said the cabinet
listened to a report on the latest preparations by relevant
governmental bodies concerning pilgrims to the Holy Places in the
coming Ramadan and Hajj Season.



Dr. Al Ankari added that the Cabinet also listened to a report by the
Minister of Health on the latest developments on H1N1 virus as well
as efforts exerted by the ministry. In his report, the Heath Minister
reassured that most infected cases have been cured.



The cabinet expressed condolences to the families of the four victims
who died as a result of the disease.



Dr. Al Ankari added that the cabinet reiterated the importance of
citizens and expatriates adherence to the precautions against the
disease.



Dr. Al Ankari added that the cabinet, having fully reviewed a number
of local issues and its agenda, took the following decisions:



First: the cabinet authorized the foreign minister, or his deputy, to
sign a draft memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and South Africa on bilateral political consultation.



Second: the cabinet authorized the minister of telecommunications and
information technology, or his deputy, to discuss with the Cuban side
a draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of
telecommunications, information technology and post between the
ministry of telecommunications and information technology in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its counterpart in Cuba and sign it.



Third: the cabinet approved the final statement of accounts of the
Saudi Ports Authority for fiscal year 1427/1428 H.

Fourth: the cabinet approved a transfer and two appointments at the
15th and 14th ranks as follows:



1- Dr. Mohammad bin Hasan bin Abdullah Al Alsheikh is
transferred from the position of director general of development
projects at the 15th rank to the position of security advisor at the
same rank at the ministry of interior,



2- Dr. Thamer bin Abdullah bin Mohammad Alroqaib is appointed
to the position of director general of development projects at the
15th rank at the ministry of interior,



3- Dr. Mohammad bin Ibrahim bin Abdullah Albraithin is
appointed to the position of director general of the office of the
minister at the 14th rank at the ministry of water and electricity.



--SPA