Riyadh, September 19, 2024, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council on Wednesday, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Upon arrival at the Shura Council, HRH the Crown Prince was received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.
The Royal Anthem was played and officials greeted the Crown Prince.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then proceeded to the sessions hall, where he witnessed the oath-taking of the council’s speaker and members. Commemorative photos were taken, followed by a ceremony that began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh delivered a speech in which he thanked the leadership for its support and highlighted the achievements under Vision 2030. He highlighted the Shura Council's accomplishments in the past year, including 493 decisions on various topics.
In closing, the speaker welcomed the new council members, expressed gratitude to those whose terms had ended, and wished continued prosperity and blessings for the Kingdom.
On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivered the annual royal speech, the text of which is as follows:
In the name of Allah, most Gracious most Merciful
Brothers and Sisters, Peace be with you
With Allah's help and guidance, we open the work of the first year of the 9th session of the Shura Council, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, praying to Allah to grant us success and guidance.
Brothers and Sisters,
As we are on the cusp of a new session of the Shura Council's work, we stress the importance of the council's role in improving the performance of state institutions, and its effective role in developing and updating regulations, in addition to its oversight tasks and its continuous follow-up to the implementation of approved strategies and plans.
Even since the launch of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the citizen has been our focus, as he is its pillar and goal, and any achievement accomplished through its comprehensive umbrella of various paths is an elevation to the nation, a benefit for the citizen, and immunity for future generations from fluctuations and changes.
We meet with you today, and we have completed parts of this journey with steady steps and continuous work, in which we are proud to have achieved many goals at the national and international levels, and in which the Kingdom has risen to advanced levels in international indicators and ratings. We are proceeding with optimism and confidence in continuing the journey to achieve its goals according to a comprehensive and integrated approach based on careful review and prioritization.
Our country has achieved many fundamental achievements during this great journey, and among them are the non-oil activities in the Kingdom, which recorded their highest contribution to the real GDP at 50% last year, which enhances the sustainability and comprehensiveness of growth, achieving high quality in economic diversification. The Public Investment Fund continues its role in achieving its goals to be a driving force for investment. Unemployment among male and female citizens recorded its lowest historical level in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 7.6 % while it was 12.8% in 2017.
The percentage of home ownership among citizens increased from 47% in 2016 to more than 63%. In the field of tourism, achievements preceded the target date, as the national tourism strategy which was launched in 2019 set a target of 100 million tourists in 2030, and this target was exceeded and reached 109 million tourists in 2023. The Kingdom has achieved 6th place among the most competitive countries. With the exploration of natural resources, the Kingdom has become one of the largest stores of natural resources in the world. Your country has also achieved an advanced position in the field of renewable energy, becoming one of its most active players regionally and internationally.
Today, as a result of its achievements and vision, the Kingdom enjoys global confidence that has made it one of the first destinations for global centers and major companies, most notably the opening of the International Monetary Fund's regional office, and a center for multiple international activities in sports, investment, and culture, serving as a gateway to cultural communication. This contributed to its selection to host Expo 2030, and its getting ready today to organize the FIFA World Cup 2034.
We are proud of the citizen's achievements in the fields of innovation and science. We give our utmost attention to education so that it is qualitative and enhances knowledge and innovation. We work to build generations that enjoy scientific excellence and high skills and have every opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.
We emphasize that as we move on the paths of modernization and diversity, we are extremely keen to preserve our identity and values, which are an extension of the path our grandfathers and fathers and are our bright image throughout the world.
Brothers and Sisters,
The Palestinian issue is at the forefront of our country's attention, and we renew the Kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people, ignoring international and humanitarian law in a new and bitter chapter of suffering. The Kingdom will not cease its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that. We thank all the countries that recognized the Palestinian state as an embodiment of international legitimacy, and we urge other countries to take similar steps.
The Kingdom is keen to cooperate with all effective countries in the international community, affirming its certainty that what protects humanity and preserves its civilizational values is the common pursuit of a better future based on fruitful cooperation between countries and people, respecting the independence of countries and their values, adhering to the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in their internal affairs, and avoiding resorting to violence to resolve disputes.
The Kingdom also seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace, by making efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and others, and also supports solutions in international crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
In conclusion, I thank the brothers and sisters in the council and all those working in state entities, who serve their country with sincerity and dedication, which has resulted in these remarkable achievements today.
Peace be with you.
The Royal Anthem was played, marking the conclusion of the event. HRH the Crown Prince departed, receiving the same warm farewell as upon his arrival.
Several princes, ministers, and high-ranking officials attended the ceremony.
