Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat – Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, received the pledge of allegiance from members of the royal family, Saudi citizens, Islamic scholars and senior government officials in Riyadh yesterday.

Upon arriving at the palace, Crown Prince Salman was greeted by Governor of Riyadh region, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz, and Deputy Riyadh Governor, Prince Mohammed Bin Saad Bin Abdulaziz.

Prior to this, Crown Prince Salman received the Saudi Chief of the General Staff, General Hussein Bin Abdullah Al-Qabil, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Al-Hussein, and commanders from both branches of the armed forces, as well as other senior military officials. They came to issue their condolences to him on the death of Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and pledge allegiance to him as the new Crown Prince.

Prince Salman pledged to exert all possible efforts in the service of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the audience, Crown Prince Salman said “I deem it a great honor that I have been selected by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to be the country’s crown prince and deputy premier and I will do my best to uphold this royal trust.”

He added “we should always renew and assess our efforts in the service of our religion, King, homeland and people.”

The Crown Prince also stressed that “this country was founded on the basis of the Islamic faith…and it will continue on the same path.”

He added “when I take charge as the crown prince and deputy prime minister after my late brothers Prince Sultan and Prince Naif; I feel a huge responsibility and I consider them as examples.”

At the same time, governors of Saudi Arabia’s regions received the pledge of allegiance on behalf of Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, from scholars, officials and crowds of citizens.