1433H., has been declared in line with the strategic objectives of the 9th development plan to support sustainable development, improvement of the structure of Saudi economy, raising of the citizen's standard of living, and the striking of a balanced development among the regions of the Kingdom. The total expenditure reaches SR 580 billion, an increase of about 7 per cent over the last year. About SR 150 billion has been earmarked for education, higher education and manpower training sector, an increase of 8 per cent over what has been allocated to the sector last year. Meanwhile, SR 68,7 billion has been earmarked to support health services and social development sector, an increase of 12 per cent; SR 24,5 billion has been allocated for the municipal services sector, an increase of 13 per cent; and SR 25,2 billion for transport and communications sector, an increase of 5 per cent. Last year's budget has made a surplus, the 7th in a row, since 2003, and this budget is considered to be the biggest and the highest in the history of the Kingdom. It came to stress the strength and solidness of the Saudi economy, notably at a time of economic changes witnessed by the whole world. Dear Brothers: What binds us to our Gulf, Arab and Islamic surroundings goes beyond history and geography; it is the bond of religion, destiny and the Ummah. These bonds are deeply rooted relations we spare no effort to reinforce. At the domain of Gulf cooperation, which moves on steady and clear steps, the Kingdom tries perpetually to consolidate its strategic presence in this geographic grouping, in understanding the common characteristics that are binding it to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States and the shared goal that binds their peoples. Security of the GCC Member States is indivisible of the Kingdom's. In this context, it is an opportunity to express relief as security and stability in the Kingdom of Bahrain has been restored, and to renew the Kingdom's rejection to any foreign intervention that may touch its security, stability and national unity. GCC experience and what has been achieved under its umbrella of agreements and pioneering projects are the best of proofs of our profound desire to continue understanding and cooperating with our brothers in the GCC member states. What has been achieved of integration and coordination, up to now, is aiming at achieving the interests of the GCC peoples. The Kingdom has approved Gulf Monetary Union Accord, contributed actively to achieving Gulf common defense integration to create a capable military balance -with the will of God- to protect Gulf security and maintain its stability. We appreciate GCC support for our initiative that calls for establishing a counter-terrorism international center. We cannot, in this juncture, ignore to welcome the establishment of the UN sponsored counter-terrorism center which culminates the efforts exerted during the Counterterrorism International Conference held in Riyadh in 2005, where we suggested establishing a UN sponsored world center to counter terrorism. Owing to our belief in the importance of joint international endeavors to counter terrorism and in activating the Center's role, the Kingdom has contributed $10 million. At the Arab arena and against what the regional stage witnessed of events and developments, we are hopeful that security and stability may prevail in our Arab world. On this, we assert our respect of and support to peoples options, while we resolutely reject any external interference in our Arab issues. What is taking place of violent incidents in Yemen hurts us, especially that it led to deaths and casualties. I call on all involved parties to keep restraint and resort to wisdom in order to spare Yemen of the danger of sliding into more violence and killings. We envision that the Gulf-sponsored initiative is still the only way to solve the Yemeni crisis, and to arrest deterioration of the situation in a way that saves the Republic of Yemen's security, stability and unity. The Kingdom's good offices, always exerted in the interest of Arab-Arab reconciliation, aim at unifying the Arab ranks and both serve and consolidate Arab interests. Our trips and visits to some Arab capitals, last year, were aimed at creating the proper atmosphere and mend fences and to support their causes; hence the Kingdom's efforts contributed to achieving civil peace in Lebanon, and we still support its security, unity, Arabism and stability. We, also, aspire that Iraq continue to be an Arab, Islamic, united and independent political entity serving all its sects and sons, and that it remains secure against external interventions in its internal affairs. --More
