JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has emphasised the need to keep the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, as well as all vital waterways, open, secure, and free from any threats.
The Cabinet session chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday in Jeddah followed developments in the regional and international arenas, as well as the Kingdom’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent the renewal of conflicts, support comprehensive diplomatic solutions, and safeguard the freedom of maritime navigation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying about 20 per cent of global oil consumption and serving as the principal export route for oil producers in the Gulf region.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session in Jeddah.https://t.co/fX9DodnjP3#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/8FRJgRXrt5
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) August 25, 2026
While, Bab al-Mandab is a strategic maritime strait between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. It is a vital shipping route linking Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal, making it one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia and France, in a joint statement issued on Monday at the conclusion of the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s visit to Paris, condemned attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted commercial shipping through the vital waterway, in accordance with international law.
مولاي #خادم_الحرمين_الشريفين حفظه الله ورعاه يرأس جلسة #مجلس_الوزراء في جدة
🇸🇦🫡🤍 pic.twitter.com/JEqnz43FZt— عالية 🇸🇦 (@SLD4T) August 25, 2026
At the outset of the session, the Cabinet praised the visit of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France as well as his official talks with President Emmanuel Macron.
The talks reaffirmed the strength of the longstanding relations between the two friendly countries, their shared desire to deepen strategic cooperation across various fields, and continued coordination and consultation based on a common vision.
This vision aims to promote stability in the region and the world by safeguarding state sovereignty, respecting international law, prioritising political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts, and addressing security threats.
The Cabinet also welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by the Crown Prince and the French president, which saw the launch of new initiatives, agreements, and memoranda of understanding in defense, healthcare, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, as well as entertainment.
Saudi Cabinet welcomes signing of 21 agreements, MoUs with France
The Cabinet also welcomed the outcomes of the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable, which resulted in the announcement of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation and joint investment amid growing bilateral ties and the wide-ranging opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030.
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In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Cabinet also commended the outcomes of the third Strategic Dialogue between the Saudi and Japanese foreign ministers.
The dialogue underscored the importance of further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship and expanding cooperation, particularly by capitalising on economic opportunities in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, and technology.
It also highlighted the importance of enhancing the exchange of expertise and capabilities to advance shared priorities and objectives.
The Cabinet reviewed reports on events and activities hosted by Saudi Arabia and praised the success of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Quran. It highlighted the participation of male and female contestants from 133 countries and commended the event’s outstanding organisation, which it said reflected the Kingdom’s leading role in serving Islam and Muslims.
The Cabinet also noted the achievements of the Esports World Cup across its first and second editions in Riyadh and its third edition in Paris, describing them as a testament to the Kingdom’s continued support for the rapidly growing sector.
It emphasised the role of sports and creative industries in fostering connections among peoples through excellence, competition and innovation.
