Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman made a significant announcement during the inauguration of the activities of the Shoura Council in Riyadh. He reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is established. The Crown Prince emphasized the Kingdom’s rejection of the Israeli occupation authority’s crimes against the Palestinian people and stressed the importance of international recognition of the Palestinian state.
During his address, the Crown Prince highlighted the progress and achievements made by Saudi Arabia domestically. He emphasized the importance of the Shoura Council in improving state institutions and overseeing the implementation of approved strategies. The Crown Prince praised the Kingdom’s achievements in economic diversification, noting that non-oil activities contributed 50% to the real GDP. He also highlighted the Public Investment Fund’s role in driving investment and the decrease in unemployment rates among citizens.
The Crown Prince pointed out that Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in home ownership for citizens and surpassed its tourism targets. The Kingdom exceeded its goal of attracting 100 million tourists by 2030 by reaching 109 million tourists in 2023. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has become a leading player in the field of renewable energy and has achieved global recognition as a destination for global centers and major companies. The Crown Prince mentioned the Kingdom’s readiness to host Expo 2030 and prepare for the World Cup in 2034.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education and innovation was also highlighted by the Crown Prince. He emphasized the importance of providing high-quality education to build generations with scientific excellence and high skills, ensuring that citizens have every opportunity to excel. The Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom’s dedication to protecting its identity and values while progressing towards modernization and diversity. He emphasized the importance of preserving Saudi Arabia’s distinct identities and values in a rapidly changing world.
Regarding foreign policy, the Crown Prince stated that Saudi Arabia is eager to cooperate with active countries in the international community. He emphasized the importance of working together for a better future based on cooperation and mutual respect. The Kingdom is committed to enhancing regional and international security by seeking political solutions to crises in countries like Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and supporting efforts to resolve international conflicts such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Saudi Arabia aims to contribute to global peace and stability through diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution efforts.