RIYADH, 27 October — Today, Shaaban 21, 1423H, marks the 21st anniversary of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd’s accession to the throne.
During the last 20 years of King Fahd’s rule, Saudi Arabia made remarkable achievements in the educational, economic, agricultural, industrial, cultural, social and construction fields, scoring quantum leaps in all sectors. King Fahd’s reign has been a strenuous one. At home, his efforts have been focused on the continuous implementation of development plans. Abroad, he has taken up the mantle of Arab leadership, stressing the importance of Arab and Islamic solidarity.
On the international stage, the king has followed his late father King Abdul Aziz’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He has worked persistently to ensure the stability of oil prices and production.
Under King Fahd’s leadership, the Kingdom has been the main supporter of the Palestinian cause, advocating the return of the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank. King Fahd has personally been in the vanguard of those who sought to alleviate the sufferings of Arabs in the occupied territories.
During the past 20 years the king has defied the odds to achieve his goals. It was his astute diplomacy that saw Saudi Arabia become a stabilizing factor, without involving itself directly in regional disputes.
King Fahd is committed to a program of economic reforms that include greater transparency. He reintroduced the consultative Shoura Council with 120 members, providing Saudi academics and experts a greater role in decision- making.
King Fahd initiated the largest expansion of the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Billions of riyals have also been spent to improve the facilities and services for pilgrims. Under the king’s direction, Islamic centers, institutes, colleges and mosques have been built throughout the world to enlighten Muslims on their religion. Perhaps what is most remarkable about the reign of King Fahd is that the development of Saudi Arabia has progressed without any compromise to its deep-rooted Islamic values.
