Saudi Crown Prince Highlights Kingdom’s Achievements, Position on Palestinian Issue
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, delivered on Wednesday the annual royal address at the inauguration of the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Crown Prince’s address covered Saudi Arabia’s domestic and foreign policies as well as the Kingdom’s position on regional and international issues.
Vision 2030 Accomplishments
In his address, Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that the main focus of Vision 2030 is the Saudi citizen, saying that all the achievements realized under Vision 2030 contribute to a more prosperous and resilient future for the coming generations.
The Crown Prince highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements under the ambitious Vision 2030. “Last year, the Saudi non-oil activities achieved its highest real GDP contribution of 50%, enhancing growth sustainability and inclusiveness, in addition to promoting economic diversification,” he said.
Promising Figures
Furthermore, Prince Mohammed bin Salman added that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is continuing to play its role as a driving force for investment. “Unemployment has recorded an all-time low in the first quarter of 2024 of 7.6%,” he noted.
The Saudi Crown Prince also highlighted an increase in citizens’ home ownership to over 63%, from 47% in 2016. “The tourism sector has achieved its Vision 2030 target ahead of schedule, as the Saudi National Tourism Strategy’s target was to receive 100 million tourists by 2030. However, it has exceeded this target in 2023 by welcoming 109 million tourists,” he said.
Moreover, the Crown Prince noted that Saudi Arabia has been ranked 16th among the world’s most competitive countries, and has become a regional and global player in the field of renewables.
Emerging as a Global Hub
According to the Crown Prince, the Kingdom has become a prime destination for global companies and institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which inaugurated a regional center in Saudi Arabia.
It has become a hub for various sports, culture and investment activities, which has been evident in its selection to host Expo 2030. It also prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that as Saudi Arabia moves forward with its modernization and diversification plans, it remains deeply committed to preserving its identity and values.
Palestinian Issue
The Saudi Crown Prince discussed the Palestinian issue in his address. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s “rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people.”
He added that the Kingdom “will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without one.”
Moreover, Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanked countries that “recognized the Palestinian State in embodiment of international legitimacy,” urging other countries to follow suit.
In his address, the Crown Prince highlighted Saudi Arabia’s position on other international issues. “The Kingdom seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace by making efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine,” he said.
