JEDDAH, 8 February 2005 — Saudi Arabia yesterday called for greater international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. “The whole world must stand together against the masterminds of terrorism and deviant groups to defeat their goals and vested interests,” the Council of Ministers said in a statement.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, backed the call made by Crown Prince Abdullah for the establishment of an international anti-terror center to exchange information and pre-empt terrorism.
The Cabinet expressed hope that the ongoing Counterterrorism International Conference in Riyadh would come out with strong resolutions to help all countries around the world confront the scourge and strengthen their cooperation in the anti-terror fight.
Crown Prince Abdullah, who opened the four-day conference on Saturday, vowed to press ahead with Saudi Arabia’s war on terror. He also emphasized the need to combat arms and drugs smuggling and money laundering to make the fight against terrorism successful.
The Cabinet welcomed the delegates from more than 50 countries and several international organizations who are taking part in the event.
“The meeting reaffirmed the need for joint international efforts to confront and root out terrorism, prevent the reasons for its spread and exterminate its sources,” the Cabinet statement said. It also condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kuwait.
At the outset of the Cabinet meeting, King Fahd commended government departments and private organizations for their good work in the last Haj season, making the annual religious gathering a resounding success.
King Fahd also said Saudi Arabia would continue to establish new development and welfare projects in the holy sites to help pilgrims perform their religious duties with ease, comfort and security.
Culture and Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy said the Cabinet authorized the transport minister to hold talks with Philippine officials to sign an agreement in marine transport.
The meeting also approved alterations in the law of Saudi Engineers Association. As per the new law, the association’s board will have 10 members elected by the general assembly. The term of the board members is three years and is renewable only for once.
The Cabinet appointed Mujahed Al-Saghir assistant undersecretary for security affairs at the Najran governorate, Dr. Muen Hafiz minister plenipotentiary at the Foreign Ministry, and Abdullah Al-Senaidy assistant undersecretary at the Civil Service Ministry.
