“Frankness and transparency are the hallmarks of my style of work,” the new defense minister told top commanders and officers during an inspection tour of the Presidency of the Chief of Staff.

“Suppose if I ordered a measure or had an opinion and any one of you found any violations, I ask the responsible among you to inform me about those violations as quickly as possible. This is the style of work I was following at the governorate of Riyadh,” Prince Salman told the officers.

Salman, who was appointed defense minister last week following the death of Prince Sultan, said it was a great honor that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had put his trust in him. “I know this is a great responsibility and I seek the help of God Almighty as well as your support, being the trustworthy sons of this country,” he said.

“My task has been made even more difficult because I came after a successful man who had carried out his duties in the best manner,” Prince Salman said about the late Prince Sultan, who had been the Kingdom’s defense minister for nearly 50 years.

“I will follow in the footsteps of Prince Sultan as I consider him as the best guide for me and you in the service of our religion, country and people,” Salman said in a short speech.

Earlier on arrival at the presidency, Prince Salman was greeted by Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan and Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail. He met with commanders of air bases, naval forces, the Air Defense Institute, King Abdullah Air Defense Academy and King Fahd Naval Academy after touring the various departments and facilities.

Prince Salman also met with Sudanese Vice President Ali Othman Muhammad Taha and discussed issues of mutual concern.

Taha congratulated Salman on his new appointment. He later attended a luncheon hosted in his honor by the Defense Ministry.