Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Inaugurates Second Year Of Ninth Session Of Shura Council

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the second year of the ninth session of the Shura Council. This was done on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and Shura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh.

The ceremony began with the Royal Anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince for delivering the annual royal address and inaugurating this session on behalf of King Salman. He highlighted that their guidance has enabled the Shura Council to meet its goals effectively.

During the first year of this session, the Shura Council held numerous meetings, conducted thorough studies, and issued 462 decisions. These included 180 related to government agency reports, 55 concerning systems and regulations, and 225 about agreements and treaties. The leadership's support has enhanced the Council's role in regional and international parliamentary bodies.

HRH the Crown Prince delivered a speech on behalf of King Salman at this event. "On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, we inaugurate the second year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, asking Almighty Allah to grant us success and guide our efforts," he stated.

The Kingdom's economy is diversifying beyond oil dependence. Non-oil activities now make up 56% of GDP, surpassing SAR4.5 trillion. Saudi Arabia has become a regional hub for 660 global companies, exceeding Vision 2030 targets due to advancements in infrastructure and digital services.

Investments in future trends include agreements in artificial intelligence as part of Vision 2030 programs. These initiatives aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI over coming years.

Military Advancements

The Kingdom is enhancing its defense capabilities through strategic partnerships aimed at localizing military industries. The localization rate has increased from less than 2% to over 19%. This progress aligns with efforts to elevate defense capabilities globally.

Strong public finances are crucial for sustainable development. Since Vision 2030's launch, Saudi Arabia has built a resilient economy not reliant on volatile revenue sources, making it an attractive investment destination.

Social Developments

The Kingdom has achieved several social milestones: unemployment rates have dropped significantly; women's participation in the workforce has reached new heights; low-income population proportions have decreased.

However, rising residential property prices have distorted some regions' housing sectors. Policies are being developed to rebalance this sector by reducing costs and encouraging real estate development while offering diverse housing options for citizens and investors.

Regional Stability Initiatives

The Kingdom is committed to regional stability alongside domestic achievements. It condemns Israeli aggression against Qatar and supports all measures taken by Qatar in response. The ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza are also condemned; Saudi Arabia stands firm on protecting Palestinian rights.

The Arab Peace Initiative from 2002 remains central for establishing a Palestinian state through a two-state solution framework supported internationally at recent conferences like one held in New York.

International Relations

The Kingdom plays pivotal roles regarding Syria’s territorial integrity restoration efforts while hoping for stability across Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan too.

"Brothers & Sisters," said HRH during his address: "The Shura Council contributes significantly towards legislative development ensuring our nation ranks among world leaders legislatively."

The ceremony concluded with playing Royal Anthem again before HRH departed amidst warm farewells similar upon arrival earlier today marking successful inauguration event completion overall successfully indeed!

With inputs from SPA