RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, in the presence of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, opened the work of the eighth session of the Saudi Shoura Council on Wednesday. King Salman said in his speech that the Kingdom is working to complete large-scale projects to facilitate the performance of pilgrims and that it was keen to prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage under the exceptional circumstances of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He added that the Kingdom has responded to the economic effects of coronavirus with initiatives and swift measures, including SR218 billion ($58.1 billion) for private sector support and SR47 billion for the health sector, therefore reducing the economic and health impact of the pandemic, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Saudi Arabia also supported international efforts to contain the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, the king added. “Saudi Arabia"s Presidency of G20 in 2020’s exceptional circumstances gives us the opportunity to lead efforts on fixing the global economic system.” “I reiterate my thanks to my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, citizens and residents, for their understanding and cooperation in adhering to measures and protocols,” King Salman said. King Salman also spoke about oil prices, adding that the Kingdom — since the establishment of the OPEC — has been working and continues to work to ensure the stability of global oil supplies, and played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ agreement earlier in the year. The king said Saudi Arabia"s Vision 2030 is a roadmap for a better future for the Kingdom, citing its impact on improving government services and raising the percentage of house ownership as examples. He added that Vision 2030 is working to empower women and continues to develop entertainment, sports, and tourism in the Kingdom. Speaking about Iran, King Salman reaffirmed the seriousness of the Iranian regime’s malign regional influence, adding that Iran is interfering in the countries of the region, supporting terrorism and extremism, and fueling sectarianism. A firm stand should be taken by the international community toward the Iranian regime, and a radical solution has to be found to ensure that Iran does not acquire weapons of mass destruction, he added. King Salman also said the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen continues to violate international laws through its actions in the country. “We affirm the support of the Yemeni people so that Yemen can regain its sovereignty from Iran’s control, we will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people,” he said. The king said that Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, as well as rejects terrorism, extremism, and its financing. On other Middle East developments, he also said Saudi affirms its continued support for the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy decisions and the Arab Peace Initiative. "We also support efforts aimed at establishing peace in the Middle East by negotiation between the Palestinian and Israeli parties to reach a just and lasting agreement." "We stand with Iraq and its people and support the efforts of its government for stability, growth, and preservation of its position in its Arab environment, and strengthening of relations between the two brotherly countries and cooperation in various fields through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council," the king said. King Salman called for a peaceful solution in Syria in accordance with Security Council Resolution and the Geneva 1 process, stressing that militias and mercenaries must leave Syria, and preserve the unity of the Syrian soil. He also said Saudi Arabia is following with interest the developments of the situation in Libya, reiterating the Kingdom"s welcome to the signing of the permanent agreement on a ceasefire by joint Libyan military committees under the auspices of the United Nations. "We are looking forward to the agreement to pave the way for the success of the understandings on the political and economic tracks, in a way that contributes to inaugurating a new era that achieves security, peace, sovereignty, and stability for Libya and its brotherly people. We call for an end to external interference in Libyan affairs, the king said. King Salman said that Saudi Arabia, as president of the Friends of Sudan Group, stresses the importance of supporting Sudan at the meantime, and affirms full political support for the Juba peace talks.