Jeddah-Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud confirmed that he was keen on science and scientists; explaining that he believes they are the basis of progress and development and through them the Kingdom could reach the level of developed countries.
Upon arrival of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques at King Faisal Conference Center accompanied by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage; Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Nayef bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the King was received by Prince Khalid al-Faisal, the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jeddah Governorate; Minister of Education Dr. Ahmed al-Issa; the Acting Director of King Abdulaziz University Dr. Abdul Rahman Alyoubi; and the university senior staff.
In the speech King Salman has delivered while patronizing the ceremony on the 50th anniversary of King Abdulaziz University at the premises of the university in Jeddah on Wednesday, he said: “We look forward to our universities’ continuing support for development plans through the rehabilitation and development of human capacities and through specialized research and scientific studies, in accordance with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030, which we have announced recently.”
King Salman also said: “I am pleased to be here with you today in the celebration of the university that carries the name of the founder of Saudi Arabia and contributed, along with the other universities in the country, in pushing the wheel of development and advancement of the society to wider horizons.”
After delivering his speech, King Salman received the certificate of honorary doctorate from King Abdulaziz University in the field of “promotion of Islamic unity.”
He launched the third phase of the university’s expansion projects at a total cost of S.R.5.5 billion. This phase includes the students’ University City, buildings for the preparatory year students, sports village and housing staff building, and other buildings for the university branch in Rabegh.
After that, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques laid the foundation stone for a number of university projects at a cost of more than six billion riyals.
King Salman toured later an exhibition prepared on this occasion, where he was briefed on historic and modern images about the university since its establishment, and its future projects.
Following the tour, a photo session took place, depicting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques with the director of the university and the senior staff.
Then, Acting Director of King Abdulaziz University Dr. Abdulrahman Alyoubi delivered a welcoming speech in which he reviewed the achievements of the university, and King Salman along with the audience watched a documentary on the university.
For his part, Minister of Education Ahmad al-Issa delivered a welcoming speech in which he lauded the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for this celebration and highlighted the great care given by the leaders of the kingdom to the education sector.
He said that King Salman is keen to strengthen the unity of the Islamic world according to three main foundations: strengthening the unity of the Islamic nation and supporting its issues; backing humanitarian and charity work around the world; and taking care of Islamic civilization and heritage.
He noted that many countries awarded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques a lot of medals, awards and honorary certificates in recognition of his efforts and contributions to many fields.