Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with presence of the Crown Prince and the Deputy Crown Prince, received at his palace princes, Governors of the Regions, the Kingdom's Grand Mufti, Sheikhs, Ulema, Ministers, Speaker and male and female members of Majlis Al-Shura, senior military and civil officials and a group of citizens. At the outset of the audience, verses of the Holy Quran were recited. Then, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the following speech: In the name of Allah, most compassionate and merciful Grace and gratitude be to Allah for having bestowed upon us His bountiful graces and accepted for us the religion of Islam, and prayers and peace be upon our prophet Mohammad, the seal of all apostles, and upon his family and all his companions. Dear Citizens Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you It is my pleasure to address you today from my heart that holds all love and sincerity to you, and to look together forward, Allah willing, to a promising and prosperous future. King Abdulaziz, blessed be his soul, and the sons of this land have laid the pillars of this State, and implemented its unity in accordance with the righteous Sharia and the tradition of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Throughout the decades that followed the foundation of the State all the way through the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (blessed be his soul), your country-all thanks to Allah- has steadily been traveling the path of growth and development, holding fast to the principles of its pure faith, and adhering to the original nature and tenants of this society. Allah Almighty graces this land with the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques, and the Kingdom, since its foundation, has always been carrying out its duties and responsibilities, particularly those that serve Islam and meet the anticipations of Muslims so that they may always comfortably and peacefully perform their Hajj and Umrah. Dear Citizens: I have committed myself to continuing the work on the immutable foundations on which this blessed country has stood since its unification: adherence to Islamic law 'Sharia', preservation of the unity, security and stability of this country, and continuance of constructions and completions of the foundations laid out by the late kings of this country. We shall work continually towards the integrated, balanced and comprehensive development in all regions of the Kingdom, justice for all citizens, and provision of oppo Every citizen in our country and every part of our dear land has all my attention and care. There is no difference between a citizen and another, nor is there a difference between a region and another. And I look forward to the contributions of all to serving the homeland. I have instructed the Minister of Interior to emphasize to Governors of Regions the importance of receiving and listening to citizens, and submitting what they voice of ideas and suggestions serve the country and its citizens and provide them with the means of comfort. We affirm our commitment to addressing the causes of differences and to eliminating all matters that would stratify the society in a way that harms national unity. All citizens are equal in rights and duties. Media play a major role, in accordance with the teachings of Islam, in supporting these efforts, providing an opportunity to express opinion and air the facts, instead of provoking difference or disagreement among the components of society. The media have to be contributors to harmony and construction, and a cause of strengthening the bonds of unity and national cohesion. Dear Brothers and Sisters: Since the era of the founder, the process of development has been a the distinctive mark of the State, and shall continue according to the progress witnessed by our society and in accordance with our religious and social values, and in a way that preserves the rights of all segments of the society. I have emphasized to all officials, especially the Council of Political and Security Affairs and the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, to redouble efforts to facilitate all means for the citizens and to work on providing a decent life for them. This is the least to be expected. We will not tolerate any complacency in this regard. Therefore, I am addressing ministers and officials: we are all in the service of the citizen who is our main concern. We have directed that the systems of regulatory bodies be reviewed to enhance their jurisdiction and the performance to better carry out their duties and responsibilities, to contribute to eradicating corruption, save public money, and ensure negligent accounting. Dear Sons and Daughters: Security is a cherished blessing and is the basis of the prosperity and stability of peoples. The Saudi citizen has always shown great awareness of responsibility, formed - with his leadership and government - a strong fortification against those envious and hate mongers, and has foiled many plans that target the country's youth and wealth. To our sons and daughters and all residing in our country, we say: security is everyone's responsibility and will not allow anyone to tamper with our security and stability. Dear brothers and sisters: Over the past years high oil prices have positively influenced the Saudi Economy and contributed to the completion of projects; and we shall be working towards building a solid economy based on strong grounds that will lead to the multiplication of the sources of income. This will lead to better savings and better job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. We are going to encourage and support medium and small enterprises to grow, so that these become a strong economic area for a large segment of society. The coming years will witness rich and great achievements that enhance industrial and services roles in the national economy. Dear Citizens: Though Oil prices are dropping and affecting the Saudi economy, we are working to limit the effects on the development march. And operations for the exploration of Oil and Gas will continue, with the grace of Allah. In the field of services, we are working on developing governmental services by improving health care services for all citizens throughout the Kingdom, so that health care centers, referral and specialized hospitals will be available to all citizens wherever they are. In terms of housing services, we are, by the grace of Allah, going to implement the speedy practical solutions that provide the suitable housing for citizens. In the field of education, we directed that it be developed through an integration between the public and higher education and its right infrastructure be enhanced to ensure the compatibility between the educational output and the needs of job market. For our sons and daughters, I say that your country has put all potentials and smoothed all the means so that you enjoy the best education at the most prestigious universities locally and abroad. Your country is looking forward to your contributions. You have invest your times well because you are your country's future investment. We are very keen on finding you jobs and professions that promise you a respected life. Both Governmental and private sectors have mutual responsibility to do so. For the businessmen in our dear country, I say: you are partners in development. The State works to support the private sector so that it contributes to improving the national economy. You are part of the fabric of this country which has granted you many privileges, and it awaits much from you. You have a commitment to your country by taking initiatives in fields of employment and the social and economic services. Regarding our brave sons in all military sectors, I tell you that your place is as that of the heart in relation to the body. You are the protectors and shields of the nation. Every one of you is close to me and you is in a place of my attention and care. The country appreciates your great and hard efforts in protecting this nation and maintaining security and safety of the citizens. Dear brothers and sisters: The Saudi foreign policy is always committed to the teachings of our religion, calling for love and peace in accordance with its principles. One of the most important principles is the Kingdom's continuation of adhering to the international treaties, conventions and charters, including respecting the principle of sovereignty and rejecting any attempt of intervention in our internal affairs, continued defense of Arab and Islamic issues in the international forums in various ways, including achievement of what the Kingdom has always sought and will always seek; namely, that the Palestinian people be granted their legitimate rights and be able to establish their independent state with Al-Quds as its capital. We are moving towards the Arab and Islamic solidarity through purifying the atmosphere and uniting the stance to face the risks and challenges they face. Those are attached by working in order to achieve security and stability in the world, establish the principles of justice and peace along with the commitment to dialogue, resolve differences through peaceful means, and reject the use of force and violence or any actions that threaten international peace and security. With the emergence of the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism as a global scourge which has no religion, the Kingdom focused on the fight against extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its sources, and on cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries and the international organizations in the fight against this detestable menace, and in seeking eradicating its roots and causes. We are part of this world and face its problems and challenges. We all share this responsibility and will actively contribute to putting solutions for many urgent international issues, including the issues of environment and promotion of sustainable development. We will continue to work with international organizations and institutions as well as international partners. Realizing the heavy responsibility I am entrusted with, I ask Allah Almighty to help me perform this trust as best as it will be graced by Allahâ€TMs acceptance; and I pray that He preserve for our country its security and stability and help us support our religion and achieve our aspirations. Wasslamou Aleykum Wa Rahmatou Allah Wa Barakatouhou Then, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is greeted by the all. The audience is attended by Prince Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdurrahman; Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah; Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region and Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer; Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid; Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Turki Al-Faisal; Prince Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jazan Region; Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Bandar bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman; Prince Saud bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Saud bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region; Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud; Prince Khalid bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region; Prince Naif bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed; Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz; Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Saad; Prince Khalid bin Saud Al-Kabeer; Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard; Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir Region; Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saud; Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Sattam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mishari bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Baha Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd bin Saad; Prince Faisal bin Saud bin Mohammed; Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed; Prince Alwaleed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities; Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region; Prince Dr. Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musaed, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Dr. Saud bin Salman bin Mohammed; 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 and a number of princes.
