Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved the goals of the ninth five-year development plan (2010-1015) that highlights human rights, education and national security among other areas, said a report.

The Cabinet also resolved to expand specialised medical services and set off the National Committee for Construction Code, said a report in Arab News.

“The Kingdom will continue its economic, social and institutional reforms and upgrade rules and regulations to improve performance and efficiency and enforce the principles of transparency and accountability,” Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The government will improve backing for NGOs as well as SMEs (small and medium enterprises), while economic unity with other GCC states will be strengthened during the five-year plan, the report said.

The Cabinet also embraced steps towards medical treatment in foreign countries as well as making special medical services available at government hospitals throughout Saudi Arabia, according to the report.