RIYADH: Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, highlighted in a speech carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the 79th anniversary (81st according to the Hijri calendar) of the Kingdom's foundation that the country's safety, security, progress and stability under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is commendable.
"The National Day is a historic occasion," Prince Sultan said in the statement, which added, "It is the king who mobilized all the energies of the state and its resources to serve the people."
"Waging bloody battles lasting over 30 years, the founder King Abdul Aziz achieved total unity among the feuding people in different regions in the country and founded a state on modern lines and thus prepared the ground to achieve a respectable position in the ranks of world nations," Prince Sultan said in his speech, referring to the successful but long struggle of King Abdul Aziz to forge a powerful nation by unifying the north, central, eastern and southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula.
Prince Sultan noted that since its founding, the country mobilized all its resources to serve the nation and the citizens and to build a modern state. "This goal was achieved thanks to the dedication of the leadership and the keenness of the people," the crown prince said.
He hailed the era of King Abdullah for making tremendous achievements in various fields especially by investing in education and training.
The crown prince underscored the Kingdom's religious and political influence, economic power and strategic location that serve the interests of not only the Kingdom but also the entire humanity.
He said the Kingdom's rulers are particularly concerned with providing maximum facility for safe and comfortable Haj and Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah.
The crown prince also pointed out that the Kingdom has to play a double role as it is part of two world systems -- namely the Arab and Islamic world and the international community.
"The Kingdom fulfills its missions to the Arab and Islamic worlds by actively participating in organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and by striving to find solutions to the issues of the Arab and Islamic world," the crown prince said.
He added that the Kingdom works to achieve peace and security in the world apart from security and stability in the region. It has also been striving to resolve the Palestinian issue ensuring all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif said the people of Saudi Arabia have every reason to feel proud on this day, while stressing on the achievements of the Kingdom at all levels and in various fields.
In a statement quoted by the SPA, Prince Naif said late King Abdul Aziz successfully unified the fragmented country on the principles of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The prince also congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, and the Saudi people and wished them health and happiness. The prince also wished the country steady progress and prosperity.
© Arab News 2011
