Saudi Arabia replaces labor minister, creates gov't bodies for culture, environment

RIYADH, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia on Saturday replaced its labor minister and set up government bodies addressing cultural affairs and environmental protection, in a bid to diversify the oil-rich country's economy and create more jobs.

State news agency SPA reported the latest government reshuffle ordered by King Salman. According to the royal decree, businessman Ahmed bin Suleiman al-Rajhi will succeed Ali bin Nasser al-Ghafis as the kingdom's new minister of labor.

The king also ordered the establishment of a new Ministry of Culture separated from the information ministry, appointing Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud as its head.

In addition, a royal commission for the environment and the holy city of Mecca will be formed, so will an administration for preserving the historical relics in the Red Sea resort of Jeddah.

These agencies were aimed at better accommodating millions of Muslim pilgrims visiting Mecca during the annual Hajj in August, as well as visitors to the kingdom's tourist attractions.

The changes in government institutions came amid reform-minded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's resolve to modernize the economy of the world's biggest oil exporter.

The crown prince, who also serves as the Saudi prime minister under his father, launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign involving several of his royal siblings shortly after he became an heir to the king in June 2017. Enditem