Minister of Agriculture Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim announced here today establishing the Riyadh-based International Council for Dates. The announcement took place during the founding meeting of the council, which concluded here today, in the presence of representatives of 15 countries and five international agencies. Eleven countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, gave their final approval for setting up of the council, while four countries, initially, approved the council's establishment but are yet to complete necessary procedures for accession, in accordance with applicable laws.