JEDDAH, 30 October 2007 -- The Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince Sultan, yesterday approved a new law for the transportation of money, precious metals and valuable documents.
The law covers banks, investment firms and insurance companies as well as precious metal factories, showrooms and shops in addition to firms providing security for the transportation of such valuable items.
The Cabinet underscored the significance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah's current European tour during which he will visit the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Turkey, and said it would boost relations with the four countries. The king has delegated Prince Sultan to manage the country's affairs until he returns.
The Cabinet commended the king's support and care for education and hoped that the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, which was launched last week, would become a lighthouse of knowledge and boost the Kingdom's progress and prosperity.
State Minister for Shoura Affairs and acting Information Minister Dr. Saud Al-Muthami said the Cabinet had authorized different ministers to sign a series of agreements with Britain and Italy.
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal has been authorized to sign the work plan for the Millennium Development Goals during the king's visit to the UK.
Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, will hold talks with his British counterpart to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to museums. Labor Minister Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi will sign an MOU with Italy for cooperation in technical education and vocational training.
Higher Education Minister Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari will hold talks with officials at the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research in order to sign another MOU for cooperation in higher education.
The Kingdom will also sign agreements with Britain and Turkey during the royal visit for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion.
The Cabinet appointed the new board members of the General Authority for Food and Medicine for three years.
Abdul Aziz Al-Munjim, Faisal Tamer, Mundir Al-Harithy, Fawaz Al-Gosaibi (representing the chambers of commerce and industry) and Dr. Abdullah Al-Othman and Dr. Mohammed Al-Haidary (representing the commission's field of work), the Saudi Press Agency said.
P.K. Abdul Ghafour
© Arab News 2007
