Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz began the Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this afternoon by expressing, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, his appreciation to all the foreign leaders and officials who offered their condolences on the death of Prince Badr bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Then, the Cabinet reviewed a number of reports on regional and international events, including the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and Syria. The ministers affirmed the Kingdom’s interest in further developing its relations with Lebanon and expressed hope that the assignment of Tammam Salam to form a new government will contribute to Lebanese stability and prosperity.

On the domestic front, the Cabinet praised the National Guard for organizing the 28th Janadriyah National Festival for Heritage and Culture. They welcomed the guests of the Festival, which showcases Saudi culture and provides writers and intellectuals a forum to express their views.

Addressing its remaining agenda items, the Cabinet amended the service system of officers issued by Royal Decree No. (M/43), dated 8/28/1393, and the service system of servicemen issued by Royal Decree No. (M/9), dated 3/24/1397; approved the System of Practicing Veterinary Medical Occupations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, adopted by the GCC Supreme Council in its 32nd session; approved the safety regulations for ships with small cargoes, adopted by the GCC Supreme Council in its 32nd session; authorized the Minister of Water and Electricity to sign a draft Memorandum of Understanding with Egypt in the field of electrical interconnection; and assigned the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with a list of powers regarding the imposition of sanctions and fines for municipal violations.

The Cabinet approved the appointments of Fawzi Hakim as Deputy Governor of the Saudi Authority for Standardization, Metrology and Quality (15th rank); Abdulmohsen Al-Yousef as Adviser for Quality at the Saudi Authority for Standardization and Metrology and Quality (15th rank); Khalid Al-Dosari as Mayor of the Qatif Governorate at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (14th rank); Noor Baqader as Director General of Educational Information at the Ministry of Education (14th rank); and Ali Al-Osaimi as Director General of Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Interior (14th rank).