Saudi Cabinet Supports Palestinian Rights and Regional Development Initiatives
The Saudi Cabinet voiced firm support for the Arab League summit’s decisions regarding Palestinian rights and humanitarian issues. It condemned Israel’s blockade on Gaza aid and emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty following President Aoun’s visit. The Cabinet also highlighted initiatives to enhance social services and housing, along with celebrating the Sports Boulevard project’s advancement within Riyadh’s urban development plan.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet of Saudi Arabia expressed unwavering support for the outcomes of the extraordinary Arab League summit held in Cairo, which firmly opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians. This initiative aims to address the severe consequences arising from the ongoing conflict, reasserting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and their aspiration to establish an independent state based on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The summit’s concluding statement called for the deployment of an international force to ensure peace and protection for the Palestinian territories. Furthermore, it endorsed an Egyptian proposal concerning Gaza, coordinating efforts with Palestine and several Arab nations. The Cabinet underscored the necessity for a fair and lasting peace that respects the rights of the Palestinian populace.
During the weekly meeting presided over by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Cabinet condemned Israel’s interruption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. It urged the international community to acknowledge and address these significant violations, enhance international accountability, and ensure sustained aid access to those in need.
In addressing regional matters, the Cabinet discussed a joint statement issued following President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Riyadh, emphasizing the essential adherence to the Taif Agreement, which concluded Lebanon’s civil strife in 1989. The statement highlighted Lebanon’s sovereignty and the importance of confining weaponry to the state’s authority, while also advocating for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
President Aoun received a warm reception at Al-Yamamah Palace, where discussions centered on fostering bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Both parties explored barriers to renewing Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia and ways to simplify travel for Saudi citizens visiting Lebanon, reaffirming their commitment to Lebanon’s economic recovery and necessary reforms.
Additionally, the Cabinet reiterated its commitment to enhancing social services and initiatives aimed at providing adequate housing for deserving families. Praise was given for the collaborative efforts between government agencies, private entities, non-profit organizations, and community members in the pursuit of the goals of the Jood Regions campaign, initially launched during Ramadan 2024 to supply over 10,000 housing units across the Kingdom.
King Salman and the Crown Prince have generously contributed a sum of SR150 million (approximately $40 million) to further support the second phase of the Jood Regions campaign commenced at the start of this Ramadan. The Cabinet also reviewed the ongoing development and service projects designed to enhance the Kingdom’s comprehensive development trajectory.
Ministers celebrated the commencement of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh, which is pivotal to establishing the city as one of the best globally. With 40 percent of the project now completed, 83 kilometers of this initiative have been accessible to the public since February 27. Launched by King Salman in March 2019, this project is aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality-of-Life Program, focusing on creating sustainable, greener cities that foster participation in recreational activities.
In summary, the Saudi Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian rights, endorsing the Arab League summit’s outcomes while calling for international support for humanitarian efforts. The Cabinet also emphasized the importance of bilateral relations with Lebanon and the ongoing domestic social initiatives aimed at housing and development projects. Moreover, the progress of the Sports Boulevard project demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to improving urban livability in line with Vision 2030.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
