Deputizing for 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, inaugurated today the fourth year of the eighth session of the Shura Council.
HRH the Crown Prince was received at the council by Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh.
The Royal Anthem was then played.
After that, Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh delivered the following speech:
Your Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister,
Excellencies and Highnesses,
Peace be upon you.
"On behalf of fellow members of the Shura Council and all its employees, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince for inaugurating the fourth year of the eighth session of the Shura Council on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
"The remarkable progress and the comprehensive development witnessed by our nation today demonstrates a meticulously planned and exceptionally executed approach aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the implementation of Vision 2030 programs under your supervision is driving the nation towards boundless horizons of development.
"During the third year of activity, the Shura Council held 48 sessions, issued 379 decisions, and made remarkable countless achievements. Such progress would not have been possible without Allah's grace and the invaluable guidance and support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Your Royal Highness.
"I sincerely wish for the well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Your Royal Highness, and for our country to perpetually experience the blessings of goodness, prosperity, security and stability.
"Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you."
Following the Shura Council speaker's address, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivered the Annual Royal Speech as follows:
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
Dear brothers and sisters, speaker and members of the Shura Council,
Peace be upon you.
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, it is my privilege to inaugurate the fourth year of the eighth session of the Shura Council, and express profound gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon us and the remarkable achievements realized across various domains.
Our nation is steadfastly advancing on its path to a renaissance, as envisioned in Vision 2030 and its ambitious programs, which shall steadfastly uphold the Kingdom's evolved standing while propelling us toward further development, prosperity, and a dignified livelihood for our citizens.
Significant strides have been made in numerous spheres, with our nation's advancements in over 50% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals indicators.
The Saudi economy has recorded the fastest growth rate among the G20 countries in 2022, at a rate of 8.7% of the GDP, accompanied by a non-oil GDP growth of 4.8%. Our nation also attained a prominent position among the top 20 most competitive countries in the world.
The tourism sector, in particular, has achieved unprecedented milestones, witnessing a historic growth rate of 64% during the first quarter of 2023.
We shall determinedly forge ahead in our transformational economic journey, resolute in our commitment to meeting the targets of Vision 2030. The positive outcomes thus far serve as a testament to our ability to achieve further success in implementing vital economic reforms, strengthening the Kingdom's financial stature, and fostering comprehensive economic growth for our nation.
The Kingdom, keen to facilitate the performance of Hajj and Umrah rituals for the largest possible number of pilgrims and Umrah performers, welcomed last year more than 1,800,000 pilgrims who performed the Hajj rituals, and more than 10,000,000 Umrah performers. These numbers are one of the results of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs: the Pilgrim Experience Program.
Based on its regional and international position and its influential role at all levels, the Kingdom has worked to strengthen its constructive relations with brotherly and friendly countries; it hosted several significant summits that brought together more than 100 countries.
Choosing the Kingdom to host the World Expo 2030 is but a confirmation of its status and the confidence it receives, and makes it an ideal destination for the most major global forums.
Saudi Arabia also hosted Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit to address the painful events facing our brothers in Gaza Strip. Through this summit, the Kingdom worked to spur joint Arab and Islamic action and pressure the international community to take a serious and firm stance to stop the Israeli aggression and allow humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza Strip.
The Kingdom's consistent approach is based on respect for the sovereignty of countries, non-interference in their internal affairs, commitment to international legitimacy, adherence to the principles of good neighborliness and resolving disputes by peaceful means, and striving to enhance security and stability in the region and the world.
You will find details of our country's internal and foreign policy in the speech distributed to you.
In conclusion, we thank the brothers and sisters in the Council, and all those working in state agencies, serving their country with sincerity and dedication.
Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you."
The Royal anthem concluded the event. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince bid farewell, being seen off with the same warmth and honor that marked his arrival.
The opening ceremony was attended by princes, ministers, high ranking officials and several other senior Shura council officials.
