Monday, 19 November, 2018 - 13:00
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz arrives at the Shura Council. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz condemned on Monday Iran’s malicious behavior in the region, calling on the international community to counter its actions.
“The Iranian regime has sought through the past four decades to meddle in the internal affairs of other nations,” he told the seventh session of the third year of the Shura Council in Riyadh in an address that details the Kingdom’s internal and foreign policies.
He also accused Tehran of sponsoring and supporting terrorism in the region, adding: “These criminal acts that violate the most basic laws of good neighborliness are added to the regime’s long history of stoking chaos and destruction.”
“It is time for this chaos and destruction to stop,” he declared, calling on the international community to work on putting an end to the regime’s nuclear and ballistic weapons program. Tehran must also cease its destabilizing actions in the region.
Addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, King Salman stressed that the Palestinian cause will remain a top priority for the Kingdom.
He stressed the Palestinian people’s right to obtain all of their legitimate rights, starting with the establishment of their own independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital.
He noted that Saudi aid to the Palestinians over the past two years has exceeded 500 million dollars.
Turning to Yemen, he said that the Kingdom has a duty to stand by the Yemeni people to counter the Iran-backed Houthi coup.
He stressed in that regard its ongoing commitment to the efforts of United Nations special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths in finding a political solution to the crisis. The solution should be based on UN Security Council resolution 2216, the Gulf initiative and national dialogue outcomes.
King Salman reiterated Riyadh’s rejection of Houthi attempts to impose a status quo in Yemen, accusing the militias of obstructing efforts to reach a political solution.
The Kingdom will continue to support the Yemeni people, he said, revealing that Saudi aid to Yemen over the past two years has exceeded 4 billion dollars.
Addressing Syria, King Salman called for reaching a political solution that would “resolve its crisis, expel terrorist groups and put an end to foreign interference.”
Addressing the Shura Council members, he said: “Your country is keen on its strategic partnership with friendly countries based on mutual interests and respect.”
He added that the Kingdom contributes to bolstering the global economy through maintaining its current oil policy that is based on cooperation and coordination with OPEC and non-OPEC members.
Turning to internal Saudi affairs, he said that Saudi Arabia adheres to Islamic Sharia law that has allowed it to adopt moderation and tolerance.
“Our country is witnessing comprehensive growth based on the plans and programs of Vision 2030 that is advancing steadily and achieving their goals at satisfactory rates,” he added.
He highlighted the role of the youth in achieving this vision, saying that the state was exerting efforts to create new job opportunities for them.
“We have directed the Crown Prince, head of the economic and development affairs council, to focus on developing human resources and prepare the new generations for the jobs of the future,” he stressed.
King Salman listed the launch of several major sectors in the Kingdoms, such tourism, sustainable energy and mining.
“These sectors will help build a balanced job market that caters to the future and that restructures itself according to emerging demands,” he continued.
“Our priority in the coming phase is to continue supporting the Saudi private sector and empowering it as a partner in this voyage towards ambitious economic growth,” he remarked. This will ensure that Saudi Arabia is transformed into a pioneer in investment in future technologies.
“The Kingdom was built on the foundation of Islam that believes in moderation,” he continued.
“We are proud of the role the judiciary and general prosecution have played in carrying out their duties,” he added.
“Saudi Arabia will continue to confront terrorism and extremism and stand firmly against anyone who tries to usurp our religion,” vowed King Salman.
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1469401/saudi-king-urges-int’l-community-deter-iran’s-destabilizing-actions
