JEDDAH, 13 March 2008 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will address the Shoura Council on Saturday, explaining the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and touching on major social and economic problems facing the country.
Mahmoud Taiba, vice chairman of the 150-member council, emphasized the significance of King Abdullah’s annual address to the consultative body, adding that it would serve as a guideline for its activities for the whole year.
“Saudi citizens look at the Shoura as the first window to accept their views and proposals. It’s the best forum to air their concerns,” Taiba said.
The king’s speech marks the opening of this year’s activities of the Shoura, which has completed three years of its current four-year term.
Abdul Rahman Al-Barrak, assistant chairman, commended the king for his continuous support to the council. King Abdullah has praised the Shoura’s achievements over the past years, especially in helping the government take prudent decisions on various issues.
“The meeting of Shoura members with King Abdullah is an important occasion. We are looking forward to it. Many people outside the Kingdom are also awaiting the king’s speech,” Al-Barrak was quoted as saying by Al-Watan Arabic newspaper.
Ahmed Al-Yahya, assistant secretary-general of the Shoura, said the king’s address would be considered as a national agenda for reforms. He commended King Abdullah’s balanced reform policy, saying it matched with the development of Saudi society.
Shoura member Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Otaibi said Saudi citizens usually look forward to the king’s address at the Shoura with tremendous interest.
He commended the international reputation gained by King Abdullah as a result of his balanced foreign policy and efforts to promote world peace and stability.
Mansour Al-Ansari, another member, emphasized the importance of Shoura system, adding that it was an ideal method to administer the state’s affairs.
