His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held in AlUla on January 21, 2025, where ministers reviewed a wide-ranging agenda spanning diplomacy, economic diversification, pilgrimage services, and international cooperation. The session, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscored the Kingdom’s expanding global partnerships and its commitment to Vision 2030 priorities, from mineral wealth and food security to sports diplomacy and civil protection agreements.
During the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the content of HRH the Crown Prince’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, which addressed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation. The Cabinet also welcomed the establishment of the Saudi-Singapore Strategic Partnership Council and the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, describing both as significant milestones in fostering global partnerships. These initiatives aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation, aligning with shared interests and objectives. How does a single cabinet session manage to cover so much ground across continents and sectors? The answer lies in Saudi Arabia’s deliberate strategy of institutionalizing partnerships at every level of government.
Context and Background
The Cabinet session in AlUla reflects a governing rhythm that has become familiar in the Kingdom: regular, high-level reviews of foreign and domestic policy that translate strategic direction into concrete agreements. AlUla itself, a historic oasis region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism ambitions, making it a fitting venue for a meeting that balanced global diplomacy with domestic development goals. The Cabinet’s deliberations are routinely communicated to the public through the Saudi Press Agency, reinforcing transparency and keeping citizens and international observers informed of national priorities.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary highlighted the Cabinet’s review of recent regional and international developments. The Cabinet extended congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on his inauguration and acknowledged the distinguished Saudi-US relations that have long underpinned regional stability and economic cooperation. The Cabinet also expressed hope that the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement would contribute to ending the Israeli aggression and addressing the root causes of the conflict, including enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, namely the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This balanced and principled position is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s longstanding advocacy for a just and comprehensive peace.
The session also reviewed the outcomes of several international conferences hosted by the Kingdom, a reminder that Saudi Arabia has become a convening power across multiple domains. From pilgrimage management to mineral resources, the Kingdom is using its convening authority to shape global agendas and to attract investment, expertise, and partnerships. What distinguishes these gatherings is not merely their scale but their follow-through, with agreements and memoranda of understanding emerging as tangible outcomes rather than symbolic gestures.
Key Details
The Cabinet commended the visionary initiatives and projects presented at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, which highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims to the two holy mosques. This commitment was exemplified by welcoming over 18 million international pilgrims and Umrah performers in 2024. The Kingdom continuously strives to improve the quality of services for all visitors, a priority that intersects with tourism, infrastructure, and religious hospitality. The scale of this figure speaks to the logistical and technological capacity that Saudi Arabia has built around the pilgrimage experience, from digital visa platforms to expanded transport networks.
Al-Dossary said the Cabinet acknowledged the significant global participation in the fourth Future Minerals Forum. This included the signing of 126 agreements and memoranda of understanding valued at SAR107 billion, as well as impactful launches set to stimulate domestic and international sector growth. The Forum has quickly become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position mining as a third pillar of its economy alongside oil and petrochemicals, in line with Vision 2030’s diversification goals. The Cabinet also reviewed key performance indicators across various sectors, commending the agricultural sector for achieving high self-sufficiency rates in numerous products and crops, and acknowledging remarkable achievements and record-breaking progress in water sector projects that enhance strategies for food and water security and sustainable development.
The Cabinet tackled other items on its agenda and issued several decisions. First, it authorized the minister of sport, or a deputy, to discuss and sign with the Italian side a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the sports field between the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the Department for Sport of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. Second, it authorized the minister of interior, or a deputy, to discuss and sign with the Chinese side a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in civil defense and civil protection between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the People’s Republic of China. Third, it approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in Islamic affairs between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance and the Committee on Religion, Regulation of Traditions and Ceremonies under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Fourth, the Cabinet authorized the minister of environment, water, and agriculture, or a deputy, to discuss and sign with the Mongolian side a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of nature reserves between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Fifth, it authorized the minister of health, or a deputy, to sign a draft cooperation agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Health and the World Economic Forum in the field of virtual health. Sixth, it authorized the minister of commerce and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization, or a deputy, to discuss and sign with the Chinese side a draft memorandum of understanding between the organization and the State Administration for Market Regulation in China for cooperation in the field of conformity assessment.
Seventh, the Cabinet authorized the minister of finance and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, or a deputy, to sign a draft agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the State of Kuwait on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. Eighth, it approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Bahraini Ministry of Information for cooperation in the field of radio and television. Ninth, it approved a memorandum of cooperation in the field of intellectual property between the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and the State Agency for Intellectual Property and Innovation under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Tenth, the Cabinet authorized the president of the General Court of Audit, or a deputy, to hold talks and sign with Belarus a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in accounting, control, and professional work between the General Court of Audit in Saudi Arabia and the State Control Committee in Belarus. Eleventh, it authorized the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development, or a deputy, to hold talks and sign with Italy a draft memorandum of cooperation regarding development cooperation between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Italian Deposits and Loans Fund. Twelfth, it approved a memorandum of cooperation between Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation. Together, these twelve decisions illustrate a methodical approach to international engagement that spans sports, security, religion, environment, health, standards, customs, media, intellectual property, auditing, development finance, and women’s sports.
International and Regional Impact
The breadth of the Cabinet’s decisions signals a foreign policy that is both pragmatic and values-driven. Agreements with Italy, China, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Belarus demonstrate that Saudi Arabia is deepening ties across Europe, Asia, and the Gulf simultaneously. The sports cooperation with Italy builds on the Kingdom’s growing profile as a host of major sporting events, while the civil defense agreement with China addresses a shared interest in emergency preparedness and protection of citizens. The customs assistance pact with Kuwait strengthens Gulf economic integration, and the broadcasting memorandum with Bahrain reinforces cultural and media ties within the Gulf Cooperation Council framework.
Regionally, the Cabinet’s expression of hope regarding the Gaza ceasefire agreement positions Saudi Arabia as a constructive voice advocating for de-escalation and a two-state solution. By congratulating President Trump on his inauguration and acknowledging the distinguished Saudi-US relations, the Cabinet reaffirmed a relationship that has been central to regional security, energy markets, and counterterrorism cooperation. Meanwhile, the Saudi-Singapore Strategic Partnership Council and the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council represent a deliberate outreach to Southeast Asia, a region of growing economic importance and a source of investment, tourism, and technological collaboration.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The economic dimensions of the session are substantial. The SAR107 billion in agreements signed at the Future Minerals Forum point to the scale of interest in Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources, which are essential to global supply chains for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. The Cabinet’s commendation of agricultural self-sufficiency and water sector progress reflects a strategic recognition that food and water security are national security priorities. These are not abstract goals; they are backed by measurable performance indicators that the Cabinet reviews regularly, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
The virtual health agreement with the World Economic Forum aligns with the Kingdom’s push to digitize healthcare and expand access through technology. The conformity assessment memorandum with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation will facilitate trade by harmonizing standards, reducing friction for Saudi exports, and enhancing consumer protection. The development cooperation memorandum with Italy’s Deposits and Loans Fund opens new avenues for co-financing projects in developing countries, extending Saudi Arabia’s role as a development partner. The intellectual property cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic and the auditing agreement with Belarus further integrate the Kingdom into global governance networks, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and rules-based actor.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Every element of the Cabinet session connects to Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification, social reform, and global engagement. The emphasis on mining through the Future Minerals Forum supports the goal of building new industrial sectors. The pilgrimage figures and Hajj Conference outcomes advance the tourism and religious hospitality objectives, while the sports and women’s sports memoranda reflect the Vision’s commitment to empowering women and promoting a vibrant society. Food and water security programs are foundational to sustainable development, and the digital health initiative with the World Economic Forum supports the transformation of public services.
Under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Cabinet is not merely reacting to events but shaping them. The establishment of strategic partnership councils with Singapore and Thailand, the expansion of cooperation with China, Italy, and Gulf neighbors, and the principled stance on Gaza all demonstrate a Kingdom that is confident, outward-looking, and committed to stability and prosperity at home and abroad. As Vision 2030 enters its final decade, sessions like this one in AlUla show how Saudi Arabia is turning its strategic vision into durable international partnerships that benefit the Kingdom and the wider world.
20 Questions
Q1. Who chaired the Cabinet session held in AlUla on January 21, 2025?
A1. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the session. The meeting was reported by the Saudi Press Agency and covered a broad agenda of domestic and international matters.
Q2. What did HRH the Crown Prince discuss with French President Emmanuel Macron?
A2. The phone call addressed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France. The Cabinet was briefed on the content of the call during the session in AlUla.
Q3. What two partnership councils were highlighted as milestones?
A3. The Cabinet deemed the establishment of the Saudi-Singapore Strategic Partnership Council and the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council as significant milestones in fostering global partnerships aligned with shared interests.
Q4. Who is the Minister of Media who commented on the session?
A4. Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary issued a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, highlighting the Cabinet’s review of regional and international developments and the outcomes of the meeting.
Q5. What did the Cabinet say about the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump?
A5. The Cabinet extended congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on his inauguration and acknowledged the distinguished Saudi-US relations that have long supported regional stability and cooperation.
Q6. What was the Cabinet’s position on the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement?
A6. The Cabinet expressed hope that the ceasefire would contribute to ending the Israeli aggression and addressing root causes, enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, including an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Q7. How many international pilgrims and Umrah performers did Saudi Arabia welcome in 2024?
A7. The Kingdom welcomed over 18 million international pilgrims and Umrah performers in 2024, reflecting its commitment to serving visitors to the two holy mosques and continuously improving service quality.
Q8. What were the outcomes of the fourth Future Minerals Forum?
A8. The Forum saw 126 agreements and memoranda of understanding valued at SAR107 billion, along with impactful launches set to stimulate domestic and international growth in the mining and minerals sector.
Q9. What did the Cabinet note about the agricultural sector?
A9. The Cabinet commended the agricultural sector for achieving high self-sufficiency rates in numerous products and crops, supporting the Kingdom’s food security and sustainable development objectives.
Q10. What progress was reported in the water sector?
A10. The Cabinet acknowledged remarkable achievements and record-breaking progress in water sector projects, enhancing strategies and programs for water security and sustainable development across the Kingdom.
Q11. What sports cooperation was authorized with Italy?
A11. The Cabinet authorized the minister of sport, or a deputy, to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with Italy’s Department for Sport under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
Q12. What civil defense agreement was authorized with China?
A12. The minister of interior, or a deputy, was authorized to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in civil defense and civil protection with the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Q13. What Islamic affairs memorandum was approved with Tajikistan?
A13. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in Islamic affairs between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance and Tajikistan’s Committee on Religion, Regulation of Traditions and Ceremonies.
Q14. What nature reserves cooperation was authorized with Mongolia?
A14. The minister of environment, water, and agriculture was authorized to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding on nature reserves with Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Q15. What virtual health agreement was authorized with the World Economic Forum?
A15. The minister of health, or a deputy, was authorized to sign a draft cooperation agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Health and the World Economic Forum in the field of virtual health.
Q16. What conformity assessment memorandum was authorized with China?
A16. The minister of commerce and chairman of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization was authorized to sign a draft memorandum with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on conformity assessment cooperation.
Q17. What customs agreement was authorized with Kuwait?
A17. The minister of finance and chairman of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority was authorized to sign a draft agreement with Kuwait on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, strengthening Gulf economic integration.
Q18. What broadcasting memorandum was approved with Bahrain?
A18. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Bahraini Ministry of Information for cooperation in the field of radio and television, reinforcing media ties.
Q19. What intellectual property cooperation was approved with the Kyrgyz Republic?
A19. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of cooperation between the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and the State Agency for Intellectual Property and Innovation under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Q20. What agreements were authorized with Belarus and Italy regarding auditing and development?
A20. The president of the General Court of Audit was authorized to sign a memorandum with Belarus on accounting and control, while the Saudi Fund for Development was authorized to sign a development cooperation memorandum with Italy’s Deposits and Loans Fund.
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