Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH – Concerns of citizens – especially the youth – are among the priorities of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, who cares immensely about these issues which include decent job opportunities, high income, proper housing and healthcare services, Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, said on Sunday in a speech on the eve of the 83rd anniversary of the Kingdom's National Day. Through visionary reforms the King has set the priorities right by identifying urgent demands and needs and listening, consulting, making decisions as well as ensuring their speedy implementation, he said. The Crown Prince said the State is striving tirelessly to achieve the welfare of citizens and is working to overcome the shortcomings in housing issues, providing jobs and healthcare, quality education and improve the efficiency of work. “So give us time, help us in the development process with constructive criticism and advice but not with destructive broadsides. Let our criterion be the performance of the institutions and their output, not persons and names, as this is not our ethics or teachings of our religion.” The Crown Prince said that National Day comes at a time when the country is enjoying security, stability, and development under the leadership of King Abdullah, who has mobilized all potential and resources with determination and dedication to serve the homeland and its citizens. “Stability is one of the most important factors of progress because it protects rights, creates job opportunities, and allows development. It also helps in checking corruption, enhancing the values of honesty and integrity, and guarantees the rights of citizens through legitimate legislations and laws,” said the Crown Prince. He said that all those who attempted to destabilize the nation have failed, because they forgot that the country and citizens are one and share the same values. “Every country – big or small, poor or rich – faces challenges and difficulties relating to security issues, economic problems, natural calamities or health emergencies. We're part of this world and we have our share of challenges which we face bravely. We and our loyal citizens unitedly deal and solve the problems facing us. We never ignore problems. We seek to make changes when we have a chance and enough resources. We balance between the interests of citizens and the country in a fair way,” Crown Prince Salman said. Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Special Adviser and Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, said that in the era of King Abdullah the country has seen major developments in all sectors. In the education sector, several universities were opened and programs of scholarship initiated. In the health sector, modern hospitals and medical centers were established. “The government is exerting great efforts to develop the infrastructure for all regions while at the same time it is implementing gigantic housing projects and similar projects at the Two Holy Mosques.” Prince Muqrin also underscored the importance of security and stability. “We thank Allah Almighty for bestowing the blessing of security and stability on us. We live in complete security and solidarity while the world around us is gripped by conflicts and the people are paying a heavy price for such conflicts.” Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, Interior Minister, said the Kingdom has accomplished great achievements in the field of security. “Under the leadership's directives, the ministry has worked to improve the performance of its personnel to ensure the stability and security of our beloved country,” Prince Muhammad said. “We have a daunting responsibility on our shoulders which requires us to be vigilant and ready to respond to any emergency or event that might jeopardize the security of citizens and expatriates.” Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah, Minister of National Guard, said the Kingdom has set example of political unity and national solidarity that are becoming stronger and stronger every day. “This occasion takes us back to the day when the late King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman, founder of the Kingdom, unified this country with his firm faith and strong determination. He laid down the foundation and values which we still learn from and adopt when we look forward to the future.” During the past 83 years, Saudi citizens have succeeded in keeping up with global developments, thanks to the comprehensive developments the country has witnessed in all fields. In a short period of time, the Saudi society has witnessed sweeping transformations that helped it keep abreast with the latest developments around the globe. “On this occasion, we should protect this country and its achievements and enhance our feelings of loyalty. We should instill loyalty in the minds of youngsters and children to protect them against evil campaigns that target our security and stability.”
See also: • Economy: Outlook remains positive • Development with a plan — a unified plan • Saudi women must drive more than just cars!
