RIYADH: Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, will return to the Kingdom at 9 p.m. on Friday from the Moroccan city of Agadir, the Royal Court announced on Wednesday.
“Prince Sultan is now enjoying full health,” the Royal Court said, adding that the crown prince completed the period of rest and recuperation in Agadir following treatment.
Prince Sultan had undergone a successful surgical operation in a New York hospital in February. He later spent several months in the Moroccan city recovering.
Saudi officials, academics and businessmen have expressed happiness over the Prince Sultan’s expected return on Friday.
In statements made on the occasion, they underscored Prince Sultan’s efforts for boosting the Kingdom’s overall development as well as his humanitarian services.
“Every citizen in this country is eagerly awaiting the return of Crown Prince Sultan,” said businessman Muhammad Al-Amoudi, who described Sultan as a “great humanitarian.”
Al-Amoudi said he still remembered Prince Sultan’s words that “whatever I own in the Kingdom including real estate and buildings, except my personal residence, belongs to the Sultan Charitable Foundation.”
He noted Sultan’s efforts in saving the lives of people sentenced to death after paying blood money to victims’ relatives. “Prince Sultan has spent millions of riyals in this respect,” he added.
Talal Mirza, chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised Sultan’s sympathetic stances toward patients, the poor and people of special needs.
He also noted Sultan’s support for scientific research projects at Saudi universities.
Professor Muhammad Deeb, an academic, described Prince Sultan City for Humanitarian Services as one of the best charitable projects in the world.
Shali Al-Jedaani, chairman of Ibn Sina Medical College, described Sultan as one of the world’s great personalities.
While speaking about Sultan’s contributions to the Kingdom’s cultural, social and economic development, Abdullah Dahlan, chairman of the board of trustees of College of Business Administration, said: “One can see his imprints on every achievements of the Kingdom.”
Main roads in Riyadh as well as major squares have been decorated with banners with photos of Saudi leaders and Saudi flags to welcome the crown prince.
