“Directives of King Abdullah, Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and interior Minister, and our former kings have been paying attention to citizens’ welfare and services,” Prince Salman said while receiving Riyadh Mayor Prince Abdul Aziz Ayyaf and other officials who came to greet and congratulate him on his appointment as minister of defense.

Prince Salman was the governor of Riyadh province since 1962 until the king appointed him defense minister in November last year.

Prince Salman over the past five decades supervised and encouraged the expansive growth of the city from a mid-sized town into a major urban metropolis.

“I have been entrusted with the responsibility of Riyadh Province for a long time. I have done everything within my capacity in the service of the province in collaboration with all bodies, especially municipalities,” Prince Salman said.

The defense minister also praised Allah Almighty for the security and stability prevailing in the country and his opportunity to serve the citizens.

Prince Ayyaf said Riyadh province witnessed great progress and development in a short time under the governorship of Prince Salman.

Special Adviser to Prince Salman Prince Muhammad bin Salman and Director General of the Office of the Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Bunyan attended the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported Saturday.