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RIYADH: ��������Ƶ is working to complete large-scale projects that will allow Hajj and Umrah to take place safely in the exceptional circumstances created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, King Salman said on Wednesday as he opened the eighth session of the Shoura Council
He added that the Kingdom had responded swiftly to the economic effects of the health crisis by implementing a number of initiatives and measures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. These include SR 218 billion ($58 billion) of support for the private sector and SR 47 billion for the health sector.
The contributions by the nation in support of international efforts to mitigate the global effects of the pandemic include the provision of medical aid and supplies to a number of countries, the king told the government’s top advisory body during a virtual session also attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the public to slow the spread of the virus, saying: “I reiterate my thanks to my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, citizens and residents, for their understanding and cooperation in adhering to measures and protocols.”
Turning to the oil industry, King Salman said that the Kingdom has been working to ensure the stability of global oil markets, and continues to do so in the interests of producers and consumers, despite the effect the pandemic is having on the sector. He noted that ��������Ƶ played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ agreement on this.
Looking ahead, the king said Saudi Vision 2030 is a road map for a better future for the country, and highlighted the effect it has already had on improving government services and raising the level of home ownership as examples of this.
He added that the empowerment of women is another important part of Vision 2030, along with the ongoing development of entertainment, sport and tourism in the Kingdom.
King Salman also reiterated the serious threat posed by the malign regional influence of the Iranian regime.
“The Kingdom stresses the dangers of Iran’s regional project, its interference in other countries, its fostering of terrorism, its fanning the flames of sectarianism … in its efforts to possess weapons of mass destruction,” he said as he addressed council members by videolink.
The international community must take a firm stance against the regime in Tehran, he added, and a radical solution is needed to ensure that Iran does not further develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The king also noted that Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen continue to violate international laws through their actions in the country.
“We affirm the support of the Yemeni people so that Yemen can regain its sovereignty from Iran’s control,” he said. “We will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.”
King Salman condemned the deliberate targeting by the Houthis of civilians in the Kingdom, using drones and ballistic missiles. He said ��������Ƶ rejects any attempts by outside forces to interfere in its internal affairs, as it also rejects extremism and terrorism, along with its financing.
“Our region is facing attempts by regional powers seeking to impose their political influence and spread their extremist ideology to serve their own interests,” he added.
Regarding events in the wider Middle East, the king said ��������Ƶ supports efforts to bring peace to the region through negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis for a fair and permanent agreement. ��������Ƶ continues to support the right of the Palestinian people to have an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, he added.
He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s solidarity with Iraq and its people, and the efforts of the Iraqi government in its fight against terrorism. He said it also supports efforts to preserve the unity of Syria and remove militias and mercenaries from the country. King Salman called for an end to foreign interference in Libya’s affairs and stressed the importance of supporting Sudan at the present time.
With the G20 summit in Riyadh just 10 days away, he said ��������Ƶ’s presidency of the organization this year had confirmed the strength of its economy, which affects the stability of the global economy.
“During the G20 summit, we are looking forward to finding solutions to the pressing issues of the 21st century,” he added.
Closer to home, he said: “We are continuing with our approach to combating and eliminating corruption to preserve public money,” adding that the Kingdom will continue to release details of all corruption cases and investigations with full transparency.