The council took up the discussion on the Council for Foreign Relations based on suggestions made in the annual report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite objections from some members, the Shoura passed the resolution successfully with a majority of votes.
Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, secretary-general of the Shoura, said the decisions are made after listening to the pros and cons of subjects tabled at the council sessions.
“Under this concept, members were allowed to express their opinion on the establishment of the proposed council and eventually it was passed with the consent of the majority of the house,” he said.
The members discussed at length about the draft penal system for crimes related to fraud. The council also entered into detailed deliberations regarding the proposed guidelines on the functions of the Shoura.
The committee headed by Al-Ghamdi presented a report following nine months’ study of the entire setup of the council, including its functions, powers and the members’ rights.
Shoura Council Deputy Chairman Bandar Hajjar said the Kingdom has witnessed a series of achievements and developments under Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah during the past five years. He was making the observations on the completion of five lunar years following of King Abdullah’s accession to the throne, the anniversary of which is Wednesday. (The king ascended to the throne on Aug. 1, 2005 in the Gregorian calendar.)
“The Kingdom has made outstanding performance at regional and international arena under the dynamic and wise leadership of King Abdullah,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-Spanish Parliamentary Friendship Committee held a meeting on Monday with Spanish Ambassador Pablo Bravo.
During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest and reviewed ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the council and the Spanish Parliament.
