The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the need for citizens and residents to adhere to the preventive measures aimed at curbing the novel coronavirus.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the virtual cabinet meeting.

The ministers reviewed the measures the Kingdom has been taking to ease the restrictions imposed over the outbreak.

King Salman emphasized that the health of the citizens and residents was his top priority.

The cabinet hailed the huge support King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, have offered the concerned sectors, allowing them to improve their efforts in preparing for and containing the outbreak.

They praised the concerned authorities for raising awareness among the people, maintaining the health sector and doubling the capacities of labs, intensive care units and number of ventilators.

The cabinet expressed its great confidence in the capacity of the health sector and its advanced capabilities, which were provided by the wise leadership through financial and moral support.

It noted the states investment in the health infrastructure over the years, which has allowed it to respond rapidly and with high efficiency to the challenges caused by the pandemic. This has enabled it to provide health care to all despite the difficult conditions sparked by the outbreak and effectively saving lives.

The government also addressed last week's 2020 donor conference for Yemen that was hosted by Saudi Arabia in partnership with the United States at the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. The event saw the participation of 126 parties from 66 countries, as well as several UN and non-government agencies. The conference pledged 1.35 billion dollars for Yemen, including 50 million pledged by Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom will continue to support the Yemeni people and exert all efforts to reach a sustainable political solution to their conflict.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments. It again welcomed Egypts efforts that are aimed at resolving the Libyan conflict. The Cairo Declaration, announced on Saturday, called for a ceasefire, resuming political talks and electing a leadership council.

The ministers also rejected Israels plans to annex territories in the occupied West Bank, condemning any potential unilateral measures and any violations of international resolutions. The ministers also expressed their rejection of any move that would hamper the resumption of the peace process that is aimed at achieving security and stability in the region. Saudi Arabia remains committed to Palestinian people and their choices.

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Saudi Govt. Stresses Need to Respect COVID-19 Preventive Measures - Asharq Al-awsat - English