Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today chaired the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, and informed the Cabinet of his recent consultations with foreign leaders. Reviewing international developments, the Cabinet reiterated that the continued tension and instability in the Middle East stand in the way of achieving comprehensive, economic and social development. In this regard, the Cabinet expressed the hope that the current tour of the Middle East by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will advance the existing efforts in support of the peace process, especially since the Palestinian side has been showing flexibility.

On Iraq, the Cabinet renewed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the vicious bombings in Iraq which are spreading dissension and destabilizing the country; such actions are not in the interest of Iraq's unity, independence and sovereignty.

The Cabinet then reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and to support for the brotherly relations among its member states in all fields, particularly those pertaining to the political, security and economic spheres.

Turning to its agenda, the Cabinet passed a number of resolutions, including authorization for the Minister of Higher Education or his deputy to discuss a draft memorandum of scientific and educational cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

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