JEDDAH: The newly appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Naif, stated yesterday that he would exert greater efforts in the service of the nation and religion.
"I pray to the Almighty that He may help me in carrying out my duties in the best manner, matching the expectations of the country's leadership and people," he said.
Prince Naif, who has been interior minister for the last 35 years, thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for putting his confidence in him.
"I am proud of this appointment...and I will dedicate all my capabilities to the service of the religion and nation," Prince Naif said.
Prince Naif made the statement after receiving well-wishers who came to congratulate him on the new appointment.
"I received congratulations today from Crown Prince Sultan, Prince Bandar, Prince Miteb, Prince Badr, Prince Salman, Prince Ahmed and many other members of the royal family," he said. He also met Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh.
Born in Taif in 1934, Prince Naif received his early education at the School for Princes and from prominent scholars before studying politics, diplomacy and security affairs. He began his career as undersecretary at the Riyadh governorate before becoming governor of Riyadh region in 1953.
Prince Naif, who has been at the head of the country's Interior Ministry since 1974, has played a vital role in the Kingdom's successful campaign against terrorism, and in so doing has won global acclaim. He has also received several national and international awards, including the King Abdul Aziz Sash and top honors from China, France, Jordan, South Korea, Venezuela and Lebanon.
Senior Saudi officials welcomed the appointment of Prince Naif who is one of the Kingdom's longest serving civil servants. They added that the new second deputy premier had contributed a great deal to the development of the country and to strengthening security. "Prince Naif became deputy governor of Riyadh when he was 18. And since then, he has to his credit innumerable achievements," said Hail Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen.
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Fahd congratulated Prince Naif on the appointment and described him as a sincere leader. "Prince Naif will be a support for the king and the crown prince."
Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi described Prince Naif as a No. 1 statesman, having vast experience. "He has contributed a great deal to the development of the country and to preserving its security and stability," Al-Gosaibi said.
Former Shoura Council Chairman Saleh Bin-Humaid described Prince Naif as a man of state and security.
"He is known for his judiciousness, wisdom and worldly experience. He is one of the pillars of the country and the royal family," said Bin-Humaid, who is chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council.
"He is the right man in the right place," said Essam bin Saeed, head of the committee of experts at the Council of Ministers. Lt. Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director general of public security, called Prince Naif a man experienced in politics as well as a statesman and a thinker.
"We have full confidence in his capabilities since he has shown his expertise as the minister of interior," said Marei Bin-Mahfouz, a member of Makkah Provincial Council.
By P.K. Abdul Ghafour
© Arab News 2009
