RIYADH — Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, Saturday said it was a great honor for him to be entrusted with new responsibilities by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. “I will do my best to rise up to this royal trust,” he said while addressing top military officials including Chief of General Staff Gen. Hussein Bin Abdullah; Deputy Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed; commanders of different branches of the Armed Forces and senior officers who pledged their allegiance to him. The officials also offered him condolence on the death of Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz. Prince Salman said the military should always renew and assess efforts in the service of our religion, King, homeland, and people. “According to the King's directives, we will maintain our country's security and stability. The Kingdom which was founded on the Islamic faith will continue to follow this approach,” he said. The audience was attended by Prince Khaled Bin Sultan, Deputy Minister of Defense; Prince Naif Bin Sultan, Adviser at the Office of Minister of Defense; and Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bin Saleh, Director General of the Office of Minister of Defense. Meanwhile, Emirs and governors continued to take the pledge of allegiance to Prince Salman. In Makkah, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, received a number of officials of government departments in the region and groups of citizens for this purpose. Prince Khaled will also receive the pledge at his residence in Jeddah Sunday. — SG/SPA
