Congratulating Crown Prince Naif on behalf of Indian people and government, Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao said that Prince Naif is a great visionary. Rao said: “India’s strategic relations with Saudi Arabia have been progressively growing; and the Gulf region, especially the Kingdom, is an area of vital importance for India’s security and prosperity.”
India and the Kingdom have enjoyed special relations based on several millennia of historical and cultural linkages and people-to-people exchanges, the envoy added.
Speaking on this occasion, Spanish Ambassador Pablo Bravo said: “Crown Prince Naif has had a long experience in running the affairs of the Kingdom, and he has handled difficult issues during difficult times with great ease.”
“He has been very active in taking care of the Kingdom and its people,” said Bravo, wishing the new crown prince success in his job, which he will perform proven skills and determination. “As ambassasdor of Spain, I welcome very warmly the royal decision,” he said.
On the appointment of Prince Naif as crown prince, Austrian Ambassador Johannes Wimmer said: “It is my honor to convey Austria’s warm congratulations to Crown Prince Naif. Austria wishes him every success in supporting King Abdullah with his wisdom and experience and in promoting stability, prosperity and peace locally, regionally and globally.”
Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan also extended felicitations to Crown Prince Naif and said, “Prince Naif’s appointment to this high office is a tribute to his long and outstanding service to his country.”
“Prince Naif is a visionary leader who has made singular contribution to maintaining social stability and harmony thus creating necessary environment for the progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia,” said Khan.
He said Crown Prince Naif was highly respected by the leadership and people of Pakistan. “We are confident that Crown Prince Naif would continue to impart necessary impetus and strength to our longstanding brotherly relations in his new assignment,” he added.
“In fact, the appointment of Prince Naif as crown prince is yet another very wise step King Abdullah,” said professor Javed Iqbal, a faculty member of King Saud University and Urdu news reader on Saudi TV KSA2.
Iqbal said, “Prince Naif, as the minister of interior, worked meticulously and methodically to ensure that the country sails unscathed through all the crises. No one could have been a better choice for this coveted position, of a country which not only has the responsibility of leading the Muslim world but also of being a conduit between the East and the West.”
