JEDDAH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday chaired the first meeting of the Defense Council in Riyadh. The meeting reviewed the role and tasks of the council, which provides guidance on and supervision of all strategic areas of the Defense Ministry. The meeting approved the activation of the ministry’s key governance councils: The Project Review and Investment Board, the Council of Services and Business, the Appointments Board and the Joint Military Council. These new governance councils aim to improve the ministry’s decision-making mechanisms, organizational and individual performance, and efficiency of expenditure. They also aim to upgrade equipment and weapons, and support the localization of military manufacturing.