Saudi Crown Prince: We Possess Human and Military Capabilities to Counter and Deter Threats Regardless of Their Source

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz opened, yesterday, the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council.

Upon the Crown Prince’s arrival at the Shura Council headquarters, he was received by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Riyadh Region; Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region; and Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh, President of the Shura Council.

Delivering the annual royal address on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), stated: “On behalf of my master, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, we open, with God’s help, the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, praying to Almighty God for our success.

“Our blessed nation is completing 300 years since its establishment on the upcoming Founding Day. Throughout all its stages, it has been founded on the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him), adhering to monotheism and justice. This is a path we will not deviate from, preserving its authentic heritage and values, which grow deeper and stronger with time, enabling citizens to remain firmly attached to their pure faith and solid national identity.

“God has honored our nation with the service and maintenance of the Two Holy Mosques and the care of their visitors. This continues our inherited commitment in this regard and reflects our pride in this great honor bestowed upon us by God.

“Regarding Vision 2030, the Crown Prince noted: “Ten years of Vision 2030 have been full of achievements. Performance indicators for the Vision’s programs and strategies have reached 93% of their targets, thanks to God and then to the performance and competence of Saudi men and women, who are the source of every success. Non-oil exports recorded a 155% growth compared to 2016, reflecting the growing presence of products from this sector. The private sector’s contribution to the economy rose to 51%, and the transport and logistics system demonstrated its ability to handle changes in supply chains and maintain the smooth flow of goods and services.

“The Public Investment Fund has launched its five-year strategy, focusing on building local economic systems with high competitive capabilities, through a pivotal partnership with the private sector, and enhancing local content to achieve economic transformation and generate sustainable financial returns. At the same time, the National Development Fund contributes to the development of many sectors, supported by annual financing that ensures the achievement of its targets.

“The Kingdom is advancing globally in many indicators, including ranking first in the Digital Readiness Index, the Telecommunications and Technology Development Index, and the Cybersecurity Index. It ranks second in the Digital Government Maturity Index and has entered the list of the ten most attractive countries for mining investment. We have named 2026 the ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence,’ affirming our commitment to ensuring the Kingdom leads globally in developing AI applications and solutions, and utilizing them to increase productivity, improve service quality, and train Saudi talents.

“Adapting to Changes

“Regarding developments in the region, the Crown Prince said: “The events currently taking place in the region prove that long-term planning does not mean stagnation, but rather the ability to adapt to changes. Amid the successive transformations the world is witnessing, the importance of reforms that have enhanced economic diversification and contributed to increasing the Kingdom’s capacity to handle crises becomes evident. We have succeeded in turning threats into opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s status and continue its developmental priorities efficiently and sustainably. The current circumstances are a testament to the resilience of the national economy, the maturity of its facilities, the strength and sustainability of state institutions’ capabilities.

“The essence of the Kingdom’s economic policies is the development of national capabilities and potentials, empowering promising sectors, attracting local and international investments, and directing resources toward areas with the highest economic and social impact. This preserves the ability to finance developmental priorities and ensures the sustainability of achievements for future generations.

“The primary goal of all state efforts is the elevation, prosperity, and improved quality of life in the country. The education and health sectors remain at the forefront of our continuous attention and hold priority in the state budget. The decision on the general education system aims to realize ambitions that elevate education quality to a leading global level. Meanwhile, the health sector transformation is making rapid strides, ensuring healthcare services are at their highest standards and available with comprehensive coverage for citizens.

“With the success in reducing unemployment rates, we are investing in human capital to maximize opportunities for citizens to enter the labor market, enabling them to compete and excel in all fields, becoming the driving force of development.

“Reforms in the real estate sector have yielded multiple options for citizens, enhanced market efficiency, and increased homeownership rates. We continue to address the challenges facing this sector and are taking steps that benefit citizens in all aspects of their lives, without affecting development or the capabilities of future generations, thereby ensuring financial and economic stability for the state.

“Deterring All Threats

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the Kingdom’s ability to deter all threats, stating: “Your country possesses highly efficient human and military capabilities capable, by God’s will, of fully confronting and deterring threats, regardless of their source. The attacks targeting all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries confirm that Gulf security and stability are indivisible. We work with our brothers to safeguard Gulf security, pursue strategic cooperation and economic integration, and continue implementing the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to enhance joint efforts that achieve the Council’s objectives and meet the aspirations of its citizens.

“In the context of our contributions to enhancing regional stability, sparing the region from the repercussions of tension and conflicts, and coordinating efforts, the ‘Mecca Defense Alliance’ was established between the Kingdom, the Republic of Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This stems from our joint efforts to play our role in enhancing security and stability in the region. In this regard, we appreciate the stance of brotherly and friendly countries standing by the Kingdom and their contributions to enhancing security and stability.

“Global Energy Security

“The Crown Prince stated: “The world is currently facing an energy crisis with unpredictable outcomes. The Kingdom has served as a valve for global energy security, maintaining its ability to supply oil to international markets despite escalation. The Kingdom also took the initiative to establish the ‘Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance’ to enhance maritime security and protect shared interests in international sea lanes, rejecting their exploitation as tools for political or economic pressure. We are making every effort with partners to enhance international cooperation to preserve security, de-escalate tensions, and defuse conflicts to achieve regional and international stability. We reiterate the necessity for the international community to accelerate fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure the safe flow of essential goods and humanitarian aid.

“The Saudi Crown Prince strongly condemned the continued brutal attacks by the occupying authority on our brothers in Palestine in the Gaza Strip, and its multiple violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. We call on the international community, and the Security Council in particular, to play its expected role in reaching a permanent political solution.

“The Kingdom’s commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm stance and a continuous effort that will not cease until the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of their independent state according to international references.

“Houthi Terrorist Aggressions

“He continued: “In Yemen, the Kingdom affirms its comprehensive support, through the coalition supporting the legitimacy of the Yemeni government, for extending its authority over the entire country and restoring stability, and for confronting the aggressive attacks of the Houthi militias, which have chosen chaos and destruction, and threatening the Yemeni people and the region.

“The Kingdom also affirmed its firm and supportive position regarding the unity and stability of Sudan and the preservation of its legitimate institutions, sparing its people from the tragedies of war and destruction.

“Concluding his speech, the Crown Prince said: “We emphasize that we are making every possible effort to de-escalate tensions and support diplomatic solutions, without any compromise in safeguarding our security. We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack targeting our security. Finally, we are proud of our brave heroes for confronting all forms of threats, their vigilance, and their continuous readiness, ensuring that security remains a canopy over our country, stability its shield, and prosperity its path. We also thank the brothers and sisters, members of the Council, for their appreciated efforts.”