RIYADH — The human rights committee of Saudi Arabia's Shoura Council on Monday held a meeting in Riyadh with Bahia Tahzib-Lie, the Netherlands' foreign ministry's human rights envoy.

Tahzib-Lie is currently on an official visit to the Kingdom and the meeting was within the framework of this tour.

At the outset of the meeting, Counil member Dr. Hadi Al-Yami briefed the Dutch side on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote human rights. He highlighted the Shoura Council’s mechanism of action and the roles it plays in accordance with its oversight and legislative competences. He also pointed to the aspects of empowering women in the parliamentary work of the council.

For her part, Ambassador Tahzib-Lie praised the new legislation in Saudi Arabia announced by the Crown Prince. She expressed her admiration for the achievements of Saudi women, the government's efforts to empower them, as well as Saudi women’s participation in the decision-making process. She commended the great interest and development with regard to human rights in Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed issues of common interest. — SPA