The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God protect him—received at Al-Yamamah Palace yesterday, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness the Deputy Crown Prince, Their Royal Highnesses the Princes, Their Royal Highnesses the Regional Governors, His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Their Excellencies the scholars, sheikhs, and judges, Their Excellencies the ministers, the President and members of the Shura Council, senior civilian and military officials, and a gathering of citizens. At the beginning of the reception, everyone listened to a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Afterward, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God support him—delivered the following speech:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, who has perfected His favor upon us and has chosen Islam as our religion. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the noblest of messengers and the seal of the prophets, and upon his family and all his companions. Now then: My fellow citizens, may the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you. It gives me great pleasure today to speak to you from a heart filled with love and sincerity for you all, as we look forward together to a promising, bright, and prosperous future, by the will of Allah, the Most High. King Abdulaziz, may Allah have mercy on him, and the people of this country laid the foundations of this nation, and achieved its unity by adhering to the true Islamic law and following the Sunnah of the best of messengers, peace be upon him. Throughout the decades following the founding period up to the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him; your nation—and praise and thanks be to Allah—has been steadily advancing on the path of growth and development, while adhering to its pure creed and preserving the authenticity and constants of this society. Allah has bestowed upon this country the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques, and since its inception, the Kingdom has been committed to fulfilling its duty and responsibility in a manner that serves Islam and fulfills the aspirations of Muslims for lasting comfort and peace of mind as they perform the rites of Hajj and Umrah with ease and convenience.
My fellow citizens: I have set my sights on continuing to work on the firm foundations upon which this blessed country was established since its unification, adhering to the noble Islamic Sharia, to preserve the country’s unity and consolidate its security and stability, and to continue building upon and completing the foundations laid by the kings of this country who came before us —may God have mercy on them—by continuously striving for comprehensive, integrated, and balanced development across all regions of the Kingdom, justice for all citizens, and providing them with the opportunity to realize their legitimate aspirations and hopes within the framework of the state’s systems and procedures.
Every citizen of our country and every part of our beloved homeland is the focus of my attention and care; there is no distinction between one citizen and another, nor between one region and another, and I look forward to everyone’s contribution in serving the nation, I have instructed His Highness the Minister of the Interior to emphasize to the regional governors the importance of receiving citizens, listening to them, and taking up any ideas and proposals they may offer that serve the nation and its citizens and provide them with comfort. We reaffirm our commitment to addressing the causes of disagreement and division, and to eliminating anything that might segment society in a way that harms national unity, for the citizens of this country are equal in rights and duties. The media has a significant role to play, in accordance with the teachings of the true Islamic faith, in supporting these efforts and providing opportunities for the expression of opinion, conveying the facts, and refraining from inciting division or discord among the various segments of society. It is the duty of the media to serve as a means of harmony and constructive dialogue and to strengthen the bonds of national unity and cohesion.
My brothers and sisters: Development has been an essential feature of the state since the days of the Founder—may God have mercy on him—and modernization will continue in line with the progress our society is witnessing, in accordance with our religious principles and social values, and in a manner that safeguards the rights of all segments of society. I have urged all officials—particularly the Council for Political and Security Affairs and the Council for Economic and Development Affairs—to redouble their efforts to facilitate matters for citizens and work to provide them with the means for a dignified life; this is the very least that is expected of them, and we will not tolerate any negligence in this regard. In this regard, I address the ministers and officials in all their respective positions: we are all at the service of the citizen, who is the focus of our attention, We have directed a review of the regulations governing oversight agencies to ensure that their mandates are strengthened, their performance in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities is improved, corruption is eradicated, public funds are safeguarded, and those who fail to fulfill their duties are held accountable.
My sons and daughters: Security is a great blessing and the foundation of a people’s prosperity and stability. Saudi citizens have consistently demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and, together with their leadership and government, have formed an impenetrable bulwark against the malicious and the greedy. With God’s guidance, they have thwarted many plots targeting our nation, its youth, and its resources. We say to our sons and daughters and to everyone residing on our land: Security is everyone’s responsibility, and we will not allow anyone to tamper with our security and stability.
Brothers and sisters: The rise in oil prices over the past few years has had positive effects on your country’s economy through the projects that have been realized, praise be to God, and we will work to build a strong economy based on solid foundations with diverse sources of income, through which savings will grow, job opportunities will be created in both the public and private sectors, and small and medium-sized enterprises will be encouraged to grow and supported to form a solid economic base for a large segment of society. God willing, the coming years will be filled with significant achievements, aimed at strengthening the role of the industrial and service sectors in the national economy.
Dear Citizens: The current decline in oil prices is affecting the Kingdom’s revenue; however, we will strive to minimize its impact on our development trajectory, and—God willing—exploration for oil, gas, and other natural resources in the Kingdom will continue.
In the area of services, we will work to improve the performance of government services, including enhancing health care for all citizens throughout the Kingdom so that health centers, referral hospitals, and specialized hospitals are accessible to everyone, wherever they may be. As for housing, we are determined, by God’s will and strength, to devise urgent, practical solutions that ensure the provision of adequate housing for citizens.
In the field of education, we have directed efforts to develop the education system by integrating general and higher education and strengthening its sound infrastructure to ensure that its outcomes align with development plans and the labor market. To our sons and daughters, I say: Your country has made all its resources available to you and has facilitated every opportunity for you to pursue knowledge at the finest universities at home and abroad. The nation expects great things from you, so you must be sure to make the most of your time in your studies, for you are the nation’s investment in the future, and we are deeply committed to creating job opportunities that will provide you with a dignified life; the government and the private sector share a joint responsibility in this regard.
To the business leaders of our beloved country, I say: You are partners in development, and the state is working to support opportunities for the private sector so that it can contribute to the development of the national economy. You are part of the fabric of this nation, which has provided you with many facilities and privileges, and much is expected of you as well. It is your duty to contribute with concrete initiatives in the areas of employment and social and economic services.
And to my brave sons in all branches of our armed forces, I say: You are the heart of the body; you are the protectors and shield of the homeland. Each and every one of you is close to my heart and the object of my care and concern. The homeland appreciates your efforts and your work, May God bless you all. We are working to strengthen your capabilities so that, God willing, we may ensure the protection of this nation and provide security and safety for our citizens.
My brothers and sisters: The Kingdom’s foreign policy is consistently committed to the teachings of our noble religion, which calls for love and peace, in accordance with a set of principles, the most important of which is the Kingdom’s continued commitment to international treaties, agreements, and covenants, including respect for the principle of sovereignty and the rejection of any attempt to interfere in our internal affairs, and the continuous defense of Arab and Islamic causes in international forums by all means, foremost among which is the realization of what the Kingdom has always sought and continues to seek: that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish their independent state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. We are also moving toward achieving Arab and Islamic solidarity by clearing the air and uniting our ranks to confront the dangers and challenges facing them. All of this is accompanied by efforts to achieve security and stability in the world and to establish the principles of justice and peace, alongside a commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and a rejection of the use of force and violence, as well as any practices that threaten global security and peace. With the emergence of extremism and terrorism as a global scourge that has no religion, the Kingdom has focused on combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of their sources, and to cooperate with brotherly and friendly nations and international bodies in combating this abhorrent scourge by eradicating its roots and causes.
We are part of this world; we experience its problems and the challenges it faces, and we all share this responsibility. and, God willing, we will actively contribute to finding solutions to many of the world’s pressing issues, including environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable development, and we will continue to work toward this goal with international organizations, institutions, and partners.
My fellow citizens: Feeling the weight of this trust and the magnitude of this responsibility, I ask God Almighty to grant me His help and guidance to fulfill this trust in a manner that pleases Him, to preserve the security and stability of our homeland, and to guide us all, and grant us success in upholding our religion—which is the safeguard of our affairs and the source of our pride—and that He may grant us what we aspire to, for He is the Best of Helpers and the Best of Supporters. Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you. Following that, everyone had the honor of greeting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—may God preserve him.—
Present at the reception were His Highness Prince Bandar bin Muhammad bin Abdulrahman, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region, and His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Prince Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer; His Highness Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal; His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Jazan Region; His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Riyadh Region; His Highness Prince Bandar bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman; His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin AbdulmuhSun bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Ha’il Region; His Highness Prince Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saud; His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Tabuk Region; His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Muhammad, His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz, His Highness Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Saad, His Highness Prince Khalid bin Saud Al-Kabeer, His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard, His Royal HighnessFaisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Asir Region; His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Muhammad bin Saud; His Highness Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Royal Highness Prince Sattam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; and His Royal Highness Prince Mishari bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha Region; His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd bin Saad; His Highness Prince Faisal bin Saud bin Muhammad; His Highness Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad; His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities; His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province; His Highness Prince Dr. Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musa’ad, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Highness Prince Dr. Saud bin Salman bin Mohammed; His Highness Prince Dr. Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; His Highness Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musa’ad, Governor of Najran Region; His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Mohammed; His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, Governor of Al-Q, His Highness Prince Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman, Governor of Dir’iyah, His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Muhammad, President of the Saudi Wildlife Authority, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, His Royal Highness Prince AbdulAziz bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz; His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Information Technology Affairs; His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed; and His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Sman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region; His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz, President of the General Authority for Youth Welfare; His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, Advisor at the Office of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; His Highness Prince Mansour bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Mansour bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Office of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz; and His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Office of His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, Chief of the Royal Court, and Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Royal Highness Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince SOud bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; His Royal Highness Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz; and His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Salma bin Abdulaziz.
