The Kingdom under the able leadership of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, has mobilized all resources and made every effort to achieve the progress, security, stability and well-being of citizens. — SPA Be extra alert in view of regional upheavals, Salman tells citizens on the eve of the Kingdom's 82nd National Day Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH – Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, Saturday urged citizens to be extra alert and be more dedicated to the country's' stability in view of the turmoil and political upheavals taking place in some parts of the region. In an address to the nation on the eve of the 82nd National Day, the Crown Prince said the comprehensive development witnessed by the Kingdom in all walks of life would not have been achieved without security and stability. “It is a fruit of the efforts of our fathers and forefathers for the unification of this country on the basis of Shariah,” he said. “Every citizen is proud that he is a partner in this unity, and is one of the pillars of its stability. I congratulate the people of this country on what we are witnessing with regard to the safety, security, growth and stability under the leadership of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who has made all efforts and mobilized all potential and resources to achieve the aspirations of citizens.” Crown Prince Salman said the fundamental objective of every project in this country is to benefit the citizen who is the real wealth of this country and a major component of the development process which would remain incomplete without achieving the aspirations of each citizen. “We are grateful to Almighty Allah that our country is based on Shariah. One of the blessings bestowed by Allah on this country is that He made it a symbol for good deeds. So we exert all efforts in the interest of Islam, Muslims and all mankind. Being the Land of Revelation, the Kingdom makes utmost efforts in the service of the Ummah without being showy.” Prince Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, said that National Day celebrations should not be exploited by citizens in an improper way, but rather should be dedicated in thanking Allah Almighty for His blessings of security and stability as well as in keenness to implement the teachings of the tolerant Islamic religion. In a speech in Riyadh, he said that the National Day is one of the most important national occasions as we are living in prosperity envied by others as a result of the Saudi leadership's keenness on unity, security and stability for citizens and others living in the country. “We are pleased on this anniversary by the solidarity of citizens with their leadership through open councils established by the late King Abdul Aziz, and followed by his successors,” said Prince Ahmad. “There is no doubt that we have a common responsibility as citizens to maintain security and follow progress through adherence to Shariah,” he said. Streets, shops and squares have all turned green in celebration of the National Day. Green festoons and Saudi flags line streets in cities. Saudi youths were seen driving through streets in vehicles adorned with the national flag. They honked and flashed V signs at passersby in joyful celebration of the National Day. They chanted endearments to their leaders. Congratulatory messages poured in from leaders around the world. Members of the UAE Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi of Sharjah; Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi of Fujairah; and Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al-Mualla of Umm Al-Quwain sent cables of greetings to King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman. Similar cables of congratulations were sent by Tunisian President Hamadi Al-Jebali, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu along with many other leaders and dignitaries. A new video featuring the Jeddah-based rapper Amarap Ammar and entitled May We Never Be Divided was released in time for this year's National Day. The video, posted on YouTube, celebrates national unity. Saudi National Day commemorates the 1932 unification of the Kingdom by its founder, King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.
