Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz yesterday evening chaired the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, and expressed his sincere congratulations to the people of Saudi Arabia and those of all Islamic nations on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, praying that God Almighty help all of them through the fast and accept their good deeds. Throughout history, he said, the blessed month of Ramadan has witnessed wonderful and admirable images of the Islamic community that reflect its outstanding characteristics of solidarity, cooperation and unity. He expressed the hope that the Islamic countries and peoples will take this opportunity to work towards resolving all disputes and disunity and to make serious efforts to achieve whatever is good for the community and enhances its abilities to confront the difficulties and challenges that face it.

Turning to domestic issues, the cabinet passed a number of resolutions, including amendment of items 28-31 of the Civil Defense Order, at the request of the Interior Minister; amendment of the regulations concerning foreign workers recruited to serve the Two Holy Mosques during the seasons of the lesser and major pilgrimages (umrah and hajj), including restrictions on the length of stay of such workers; and endorsement of the memorandum of understanding on bilateral political consultation signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Foreign Ministry of Malta on April 5, 2003 (05/04/03), a Royal Decree to be prepared in this respect.

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