RIYADH: Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Mohammed bin Naif, in Monday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, briefed the ministers on the contents of the messages received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman from the prime minister of Ethiopia and his meetings with the ministers of youth and sports of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

The Cabinet commended the king for his sentiments expressed during his meeting with the housing minister and officials, where he had urged greater cooperation between the public and private sectors to provide decent and affordable housing for citizens.

The Cabinet was also briefed on the results of the meeting of the Supreme Haj Committee, chaired by Prince Mohammed, which had highlighted plans to provide improved services and security for pilgrims.

Later, the Cabinet announced several decisions including for the labor and social affairs ministries to set up shelters for maids stranded at the country’s airports by errant sponsors and those fleeing abuse.

The Cabinet authorized Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and defense minister, to discuss a defense agreement with Ethiopia.

The Cabinet further authorized the Foreign Ministry to establish a Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council; and the Ministry of Defense (Air Forces) to provide security at civilian airports with the General Authority for Civil Aviation for three years.