Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz today chaired the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, and gave thanks to God Almighty for the numerous blessings He has bestowed upon the Kingdom, citing in the first place Islam and then security and stability as enabling it to achieve its current economic prosperity. King Fahd reviewed the Kingdom's achievements, describing them as a qualitative leap, covering all areas, educational, social, cultural, economic, industrial, and agricultural. The cabinet was then briefed by reports on various ministries and government bodies. These reports reflect the immensity of the country's development, by the grace of God and thanks to the strenuous and sincere work of the people, uniting the efforts of all sectors, and with the positive contribution of citizens who have cooperated with their leadership in implementing the general plans that have led to those accomplishments. King Fahd pointed out that Saudi Arabia's development process is following a well-studied methodology in its politics and objectives, within the framework of the principles of Islamic law and values on which the country is based. Saudi citizens, he said, remain the core of development and the first beneficiaries of its fruits. He went on to urge all citizens, who have effectively contributed to the process of development and growth, to preserve and enhance these achievements in order to accomplish greater progress and advance their country even more.

King Fahd then briefed the cabinet on his discussions with visiting U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, saying they focused on the situation in the region, including an immediate solution to the Palestinian crisis with the establishment of the State of Palestine and the resultant assurance of stability and security.
Turning to domestic issues, the cabinet passed a number of resolutions, including authorization for the foreign minister or his deputy to sign the international convention for combating terrorism and its financing; authorization for the General President of Youth Welfare or his deputy to finalize a draft agreement with the Republic of Romania on cooperation between the two countries in the areas of youth and sports; and authorization for the Minister of Finance and National Economy or his deputy to sign a draft agreement with the Republic of France on mutual promotion and protection of investment.

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