JEDDAH, 7 June 2005 — The Council of Ministers yesterday decided to sign an agreement with South African Ministry of Education for the exchange of scientific, technological and administrative expertise, teaching staff and researchers.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah, authorized Higher Education Minister Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari to sign a memorandum of understanding with the South African ministry for scientific and educational cooperation.
Transport Minister and Acting Minister of Information Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry said the agreement would cover scholarships, academic seats and fellowships for medical courses.
The Cabinet also endorsed an agreement with Austria for enhancing cooperation in economic, commercial, industrial and technological fields, the Saudi Press Agency said. The agreement, which was signed on March 31, 2004, will encourage exchange of visits by trade and technical delegations and participation in trade exhibitions.
The meeting approved changes to the charter of International Maritime Organization, Seraisry said, adding that the new changes would facilitate marine transportation.
Earlier, the Cabinet reviewed preparations for final examinations in schools, colleges and universities for the current academic year and urged teachers and education officials to do whatever necessary to help students write their exams comfortably.
It appointed Muhammad Suleiman Al-Muhammadi geological expert at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Abdul Hadi Ali Al-Wadi, director of the office of the head of financial and administrative department at the National Guard; and Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Humaidi, deputy mayor of Dammam for services.
Meanwhile, the Shoura Council urged employment of more Saudis in the marine transport sector. The Transport Ministry was asked to coordinate with the Higher Education Ministry to train the Saudi cadre required for the sector.
Dr. Saleh Al-Malik, secretary-general of the Shoura, said most Shoura members objected to a proposal for bringing the Civil Aviation Corporation under the Transport Ministry.
He said the Shoura proposed the setting up of a special department at the Commission for Supervision and Investigation to monitor public services.
A Shoura panel strongly recommended that municipalities supply adequate water to areas where people of lower income groups live and to set out a complete plan to solve problems related to flooding.
Malik said the Shoura meeting called for developing and reorganizing old residential neighborhoods with private sector participation. The municipalities were also asked to focus on environmental health and preventive measures to curb the spread of contagious diseases.
The meeting urged authorities to take steps for the employment of more Saudis in small businesses and grocery stores and reduce their working hours.
Municipalities were also asked to give priority to low-income groups while distributing land to build houses. They were urged to intensify supervision of restaurants and groceries to ensure hygiene and preempt food poisoning incidents.
