Dr. Abdullah Bin Muhammed Bin Ibrahim Aal Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Shoura Council, highlighted the march of the council since its inception. In his speech delivered before King Abdullah, he said, “The council has gone through various stages in the past 16 years to cope with the latest changes and developments. “Within this short time the number of members has increased as well as its powers, all of which has given it the impetus to make the remarkable achievements which without your support would not have been possible. “With improved integration between the performance of government executive bodies and this legislative council in mind, several officials including princes and ministers addressed the council on their roles and tasks in the service of society. They also listened to members' observations and suggestions, which have contributed greatly in improving their performance. Members also showed great understanding to the obstacles and difficulties facing these agencies.” “The Council approved 486 decisions during its fourth session, including many rules, regulations, agreements, annual reports and other general issues. The Council also approved hundreds of decisions on regional and international agreements as well as reports on the performance of government agencies,” Aal Al-Sheikh added. Al-Sheikh said that through “full awareness of the size of the Council's responsibility, the judicious leadership gave visiting states' presidents access to the Council to address its members, reflecting its role and status”. “The Shoura Council has extended its lines of contact with regional and international parliaments through mutual visits.” Aal Al-Sheikh went on to speak of the notable achievements and development projects in the Kingdom last year under the leadership of King Abdullah, including laying the foundation stone for the King Saud University for Medical Sciences and the King Abdullah International Center for Medical Research, in addition to a package of specialist medical projects at the National Guard. Aal Al-Sheikh also referred in his speech to the King's increasing of stipends to Saudis studying abroad by 50 percent and prayed to Allah “to reward him for this fatherly gesture.” The Chairman also highlighted the approval of the biggest state budget in the history of the Kingdom which included dozens of mega development projects that would inject funds and boost the Kingdom's economy, despite the global economic recession. Aal Al-Sheikh highlighted the dialogue initiated by the Kingdom for believers and followers of culture to promote tolerance and moderation of the Islamic Faith.
