Security, development top Saudi priorities

Manama: Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz said that consolidating national security and economic development topped his country’s priorities.

In his first address to the Shura (Consultative) Council since he became the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in January, King Salman said that Saudi Arabia was determined to reinforce and consolidate its security capabilities through all means and that the Council for Political and Security Affairs has been assigned to propose plans and programmes to tackle challenges faced by Arabs and Muslims.

“The development programmes based on our religious tenets and social values will continue, and we are determined to boost political, cultural, economic, social and service developments,” he told the Shura members at the opening of the fourth session of the current term.

“Through the Council for Political and Security Affairs and the Council for Economic Affairs and Development, we will continue the development process, improve the working environment and reinforce the institutions of the state,” he said.

King Salman said that the drop in the prices of oil would not affect the implementation of the development plans and projects, explaining that the “sound and balanced” policies followed when the prices were high have allowed the state to maintain stability and balance between income and expenses on large projects.

Referring to the security situation, King Salman stressed the significance of promoting national unity and shunning divisions.

“All Saudis are equal in rights, commitments and duties, and we must all work on protecting this unity and on confronting all calls to sedition regardless of their sources and the manner in which they are issued. The media in this regard has a great responsibility,” he said. “The state is determined to move forward and to consolidate all efforts to tackle challenges and confront risks that are surrounding the Arab and Muslim nations.”

King Salman stressed, once more, that terrorism has no religion or country.

“Our security forces have exerted valiant efforts to tackle terrorists with a strong determination and willpower. They have been successful in chasing them and in dismantling their cells and groups. They have also carried out pre-emptive operations that have contributed to thwarting their attempts and foiling their schemes. We are determined to reinforce our military agencies and capabilities in a manner that allows them to perform their duties and shoulder their responsibilities in the best manner. They are a great source of pride to us.”

King Salman said that the formation of the Islamic military alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, and the establishment of a joint operations centre in the Saudi capital Riyadh were part of the international responsibility to combat and uproot terrorism and to dry up its sources.

Talking about the latest developments in Palestine, the Saudi monarch called on the international community to assume its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to protect the Palestinians from the “antagonistic Israeli actions that are a provocation to the feelings of Arabs and Muslims”.

On Yemen, he said that the coalition of Arab and Islamic countries was endeavouring to restore legitimacy and stability in the country and to thwart dangers to the security of the Arab region.

“Since the crisis started and until today, Saudi Arabia has been calling for a political solution based on the Gulf initiative, the outcome of the national dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216,” King Salman said.

On the developments in Syria, the Saudi monarch said that Saudi Arabia was keen on preserving the territorial integrity of the country for all segments of Syrian society.

“Saudi Arabia has called for a political solution that ends the crisis and allows the formation of a transitional government made up of moderate opposition that guarantees the unity of Syria, the departure of all foreign forces and terror groups that would not have found fertile grounds in Syria without the policies of the Syrian regime that has killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians and caused millions of [people to become] refugees,” he said.

King Salman said that Saudi Arabia has been working on reinforcing its relations with several countries through the exchange of visits with world leaders.

“We will continue this trend in a way that reinforces the status of the kingdom and its regional and international roles,” he said.