CUSTODIAN of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman said in his address in the Shoura Council on Dec. 24, 2015, that security and economic development will remain top priorities for the Kingdom. Inaugurating the 4th year of the 6th session of the Shoura Council, the King said that Saudi Arabia's foreign policies are aimed at serving Arab and Islamic causes. King Salman pointed out that a Cabinet reshuffle earlier in July was undertaken to support the "path to development." Saudi Arabia will seek to diversify its sources of income and improve the efficiency of government spending as it strives to reduce its dependence on oil revenue, King Salman said. As to the country's foreign policies, the King said the country has conformed to its principles and international covenants as "it defended Arab and Islamic causes." He also said Saudi foreign policy was aimed at "fighting terrorism" worldwide and restoring stability. King Salman said the government's economic vision would focus on increasing the efficiency of government spending as well as increasing returns on investments. The King said the economy had maintained real growth despite economic volatility and declining oil prices. The Kingdom had been able to preserve its public debt levels. The Kingdom also advocated policies to create an attractive environment for local and international companies to invest in Saudi Arabia, King Salman said, adding that Saudi Arabia's fiscal policy was based on "preserving stability and and balance between revenue and spending on big development projects." He said reforms would also aim to create an attractive environment for increased investment by both Saudi and foreign companies, simplify procedures and boost employment. The King reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for a stable oil market, which he said would protect the interests of current and future generations, and added that the Kingdom was committed to continuing oil and gas exploration. On Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, King Salman again called for a political settlement to the war in Syria, adding that Riyadh wanted to preserve Syria as a unified nation incorporating all its religious sects. King Salman sought the cooperation of all citizens in further bolstering the Kingdom's achievements and addressing the hurdles in a way contributing to the progress of the country and ensuring advanced services to the citizens. The King highlighted the significance of preserving national unity and eschewing all causes of split and division and elements that undermine national cohesion. "We have to uphold national unity and confront all propaganda for evil and sedition. Fighting and stamping out the scourge of terrorism is the collective responsibility of the global community, and the formation of the Islamic military alliance is the latest endeavor in this regard." The Kingdom's development programs emanate from its religious base and social values. The wise and balanced policies helped maintain economic stability and bring public debt to the minimum. The government's priorities include massive investments in human resources development and creation of jobs for Saudis.
