Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince: Protecting the Kingdom's security and gas developments

The Saudi Cabinet held its regular session on Tuesday, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - where the Council discussed a number of political, economic and security files, at a time when the region is witnessing rapid geopolitical transformations that require a firm stance and a clear strategic vision.

Protecting national security and regional stability

At the outset of the session, the Cabinet placed the security of the Kingdom and the region at the top of its priorities, reviewing current developments and their serious repercussions on international peace and security. In a clear and decisive message, the Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to defend its national security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, emphasizing that the Kingdom's sovereignty is a red line that cannot be crossed.

This affirmation comes amidst the tensions in the Middle East region, where the Council commended the international stances of solidarity expressed by the leaders of brotherly and friendly nations, who condemned the Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region. The Council reiterated the Kingdom's full support and complete solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council states whose territories have been violated, emphasizing its commitment to providing all possible support to these countries in preserving their security and stability.

Supporting Arab and Islamic causes

On the Arab and Islamic levels, the Kingdom continued its leading role in supporting key issues. The Council addressed the diplomatic efforts exerted through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to unify ranks and support the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people. The Council also noted the new economic support provided to the Republic of Yemen, which is an extension of the Kingdom's historical positions in supporting the Yemeni economy and strengthening the foundations of stability and development in brotherly Yemen, reflecting the depth of the fraternal ties between the two countries.

Significant leaps forward in the energy sector and Vision 2030

On the domestic and economic front, the Cabinet commended the significant progress achieved in the National Energy Strategy, particularly in the natural gas sector. The Cabinet noted the commencement of production in the first phase of the Jafurah field and the start of operations at the Tanajib Gas Plant. These steps are a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which aims to diversify the energy mix and enhance the Kingdom's position as a global gas producer, thereby directly contributing to national economic growth and providing sustainable energy sources for local industries.

International partnerships and strategic agreements

The Council concluded its session by approving a package of agreements and memoranda of understanding that reflect the Kingdom's openness to the world and the strengthening of its international partnerships, including:

• Strengthening cooperation in the field of energy with the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
• A promising partnership in the field of artificial intelligence and digital skills development with Canada.
• Agreements in the areas of civil defense, tourism and anti-corruption with several countries including Tajikistan, Cyprus and Kuwait.
• Strengthening trade and investment cooperation with Ghana, Honduras and China.

The Council also approved a number of promotions to the fifteenth and fourteenth ranks in various ministries and government sectors, stressing the continuation of the approach of administrative development and empowering national competencies.