On behalf of the Australian Government and people, Australian Premier Kevin Rudd congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; the Saudi leadership and people on the occasion of the Kingdom's National Day. In a speech marking the National Day of Saudi Arabia, Rudd said "Australia is appreciative of the bilateral friendship and cooperation existing with Saudi Arabia, wishing the Kingdom further prosperity and progress". Rudd stressed Australia's commitment of the bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia and United Nations to confront challenges facing the world now such as the climate changes and global development.