Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today chaired the regular weekly session of the Council of Ministers and began by reflecting on the 75th anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23. The King noted that since its inception, the Kingdom has followed a clear course of adherence to Islam as well as a commitment to its citizens and homeland, and that its foreign policy has been a balanced one based on Islamic teachings, non-interference, fostering global economic stability and support for just causes in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

King Abdullah pointed out that the occasion of National Day is a renewed opportunity for the followers of the deviant group to reconsider and immediately surrender to authorities.

Turning to the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York this past week, the King expressed appreciation for the efforts of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who delivered a comprehensive speech on the King’s behalf that denounced terrorism, advocated sustainable development and efforts to enhance global security and peace. The King noted Saudi Arabia’s draft resolution calling for the establishment of a task force to review the recommendations of the February Riyadh International Counter-terrorism Conference, which included the creation of an International Counter-terrorism Center. The King also urged all member states of the U.N. to work together and reform the world body so that it reflects current world realities.

On other international issues, the King briefed the council on talks he held with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other visitors to the Saudi Arabia last week. The council then heard a report on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and Iraq, and denounced the bombings that occurred in Beirut, Lebanon.

Turning to domestic matters, the Cabinet authorized the head of the Meteorology and Environment Protection Agency or his deputy to sign two draft memoranda of understanding with Egypt. The Cabinet decided to impose a five-year ban on port fees for vessels passing through Jizan, and approved the appointment of Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Alsheikh as undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for urban planning.

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