JEDDAH, 17 September — Prince Abdullah, the regent, yesterday urged Arab and Islamic countries to stand united in the face of challenges. He also reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection of terrorism and killing of innocent people.
“The present situation of the Islamic Ummah and the challenges it is facing demands from governments and peoples to confront them by standing united,” Prince Abdullah told the weekly Council of Ministers meeting.
He also urged the Islamic countries to shun their differences and settle conflicts to achieve their noble objectives. “Islam is a religion of peace, justice and tolerance. It encourages (its followers) to work for the betterment of humanity. It rejects all forms of violence and terrorism, prohibits the killing of the innocent and frightening peaceful people,” the regent said.
Prince Abdullah briefed the ministers on the outcome of his talks with Iranian President Muhammad Khatami in Jeddah on Saturday. The talks focused on the US threat to attack Iraq and the situation in Palestine.
Prince Abdullah said Saudi Arabia and Iran were seeking to strengthen their ties in the interest of Arab and Islamic Ummah. The prince also informed the ministers on the result of his contacts with world leaders.
“The regent underlined the significance of consultations and meetings between the leaders and officials of Islamic countries to bolster Islamic unity and solidarity,” Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy said.
The Cabinet meeting urged the authorities to take necessary measures to implement a GCC summit decision that allows citizens of member states to practice all economic and professional activities as per the regulations endorsed by the GCC Supreme Council.
The meeting approved the mechanism to distribute customs revenues of the GCC Customs Union. The GCC groups Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Al-Farsy said the Cabinet agreed to extend the commercial and economic cooperation agreement with Syria for one year. The Kingdom will hold talks with Syria and Lebanon to automatically renew the economic cooperation agreements with them.
The Cabinet agreed to join the international customs agreement related to temporary import of road vehicles.
The Cabinet approved a proposal made by the labor and social affairs minister to honor the pioneers in volunteer service.
