In an a statement issued today, the White House welcomed the announcement of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz that Saudi women will be appointed to the Majlis Al-Shoura (consultative council) and will be allowed to participate in future municipal elections. “We welcome Saudi King Abdullah’s announcement today that women will serve as full members of the Shoura Council in the next session, and will have the right to participate in future elections,” said the White House statement. It added, “These reforms recognize the significant contributions women in Saudi Arabia make to their society and will offer them new ways to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.”

King Abdullah’s announcement has been met with praise from governments around the world.