RIYADH – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah opened here Tuesday the activities of the first year of the Sixth Session of the Shoura Council. The 150 members of the Shoura, including 30 women for the first time in history, were sworn in before King Abdullah at his palace. The swearing-in ceremony of the Emir of Riyadh region Prince Khaled Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz and Deputy Emir Prince Turki Bin Abdullah was also held on the occasion. Also, King Abdullah received the annual report of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). Addressing the Shoura members, King Abdullah said: “I am happy to meet you in the opening of the first year of the Sixth Session of the Shoura Council, in which a woman participates. I pray to Almighty Allah to bestow on you wise opinion and consultation.” The King outlined the goal of the Shoura, saying, “Our concerted goal is based on the trust in Allah Almighty to help you activate the work of the Shoura with the most rational thinking without any hasty move and noisy uproar. The development for which we all are striving at must be gradual. You know that your place in the Shoura is not simply an honor but that of one charged with duty and representing all sections of Saudi society. Therefore, this job has its own responsibility,” the King said, calling the members to show reasoning in their discussions and allow rationality to prevail in issues it has to deal with. After the speech, the newly appointed Emir of Riyadh Prince Khaled Bin Bandar and Deputy Emir Prince Turki Bin Abdullah took oath of office before the King. Earlier, Shoura President Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, Deputy President Muhammad Bin Ameen Al-Jafri and members took oath of office. In a historic decision King Abdullah appointed 30 women to the Shoura Council on Jan. 11. They included Hayat Sindi, one of the world's leading biotechnologists, Thuraya Al-Arrayed, a poet, columnist and consultant, Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen and Dr. Haya Al-Manee'. After the Shoura members' swearing-in ceremony, Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf and SAMA Governor Dr. Fahd Al-Mubarak presented the annual SAMA report to the King. Then addressing the audience, the King said: “I am sorry, sorry and sorry because I cannot shake hands with you. I cannot embrace you because you all are dear to me and to the state.” Addressing the new women members, the King said: “May peace and mercy of Allah be with you, sisters. May Allah help you do whatever He wishes and pleases.” Commenting on the assumption of duty as member of the Shoura, Dr. Muna Al-Moshait told Okaz/Saudi Gazette: “Standing in front of King Abdullah as member of the Shoura is a Sash of Honor in which the entire women of Saudi Arabia can feel proud of. We are also proud of the trust reposed in us. I pray Allah to support us to perform well in a way pleasing God first and then realizing the vision of King Abdullah in ensuring participation of women in decision making.” She also hoped that the women members can play a great role in serving the nation and its people as well as in addressing their problems in a creative and positive manner. – SG/SPA
