Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Arabia headed for “new renaissance”: Crown Prince | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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File photo of the Saudi flag. (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP)


File photo of the Saudi flag. (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP)

File photo of the Saudi flag. (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP)

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat—Saudi Arabia is heading for a “new renaissance” thanks to the farsighted vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and the structural reforms he has put in place during the previous years, Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz said on Monday, in a speech marking the Kingdom’s 84th national day.

“Everything around us suggests we are heading for a new renaissance,” Crown Prince Salman said. “We will all yield the fruits of this renaissance shortly, which have come about as a result of structural reforms to many sectors, which all need our support and patience, as well as our contributing positive, long-term and comprehensive thinking.”

Saudi Arabia celebrates its 84th national day on Tuesday, commemorating the founding of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Celebrations are planned throughout the country to mark the occasion, with a large fireworks display due to take place later in Riyadh and other cities, among other festivities.

Prince Salman, also Saudi Arabia’s defense minister and deputy prime minister, praised the efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz for his “farsighted vision in continuing the mission to build and develop” the country.

“Another year, and our country is blessed with unity, security and prosperity. We live in stability in the middle of a region teeming with chaos, and [experience] economic prosperity at a time of financial crises and recessions,” Prince Salman said.

The Crown Prince also spoke of the troubles currently facing the region and the wider Islamic world, vowing that Saudi Arabia would work to defeat terrorism and extremism.

“Today, as Muslims, we are concerned because we have not done enough to protect our nation from extremism and its youth from militancy and extremism, leading some to adopt violence and replace the doctrine of tolerance with the doctrine of takfir [declaring others as infidels], terrorism and bombing.”

He added: “Our number one task today as officials and citizens is to join hands in delivering the true image of Islam, which has been tarnished by dark forces, and show our great religion with its ethics and knowledge, and work in the face of deviant thoughts and interpretations.”