Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz presided today over the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers and reiterated that the growth of societies depends not only on the natural resources available to them, but on the level of scientific and technological standards they have reached. Acting Information Minister, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Dr. Madani Ibn Abdul Gader Alagi reported that King Fahd went on to underline the importance of cooperation between government authorities, educational institutions, and the private sector, in order to make investment and industrial opportunities available and to prepare young Saudis for work. The King underscored the importance of training young people through intensive specialized courses by the concerned government agencies and ministries, non-governmental establishments and companies, and the chambers of commerce and industry. He emphasized the importance of realizing a balance in the various scientific, literary and technical specializations as well as encouraging young people to embark on those that conform to the requirements of the society. The King reiterated: “The state is going ahead in its policy of encouraging the private sector to establish non-governmental colleges and institutes that concentrate on scientific and technological specialization.”

Briefing the cabinet on the outcome of his talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, King Fahd said they focused on bilateral relations and developments at the Arab, Islamic and international levels. The cabinet urged Syria and Turkey to settle their dispute through diplomatic means, saying they are neighbors, linked with strong interests, and should not resort to threats and force. The cabinet declared the Kingdom’s hope that the friendly Muslim country of Turkey will continue dialogue with Syria for the settlement of their dispute through peaceful means.
Referring to the speech delivered by Saudi Arabia’s representative at the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly, the cabinet confirmed the Kingdom’s inalienable stance vis-à-vis the various regional, Arab, Islamic and international issues, and in particular those pertaining to global security, safety, stability and prosperity.
Turning to domestic matters, the cabinet adopted a number of resolutions, including approval that the right to issue, sell and market vouchers for sacrificial meat pertaining to the pilgrims, be confined to the authorities of the Sacrificial Meat Utilization Project managed by the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Violators will be subject to investigation by the General Commission for Investigation and Prosecution. In two years’ time, the Ministry of Interior will submit a report to the cabinet containing evaluation of this issue.

Return