Salman thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the new appointment. “I take this opportunity to thank the king for bestowing his confidence in me,” he said and sought the Almighty’s help to carry out his duties in the best form.
Addressing top army commanders and officers, the new minister also emphasized the need to strengthen the armed forces not only to defend the Kingdom but also to defend its holy places, its valuable resources and major achievements.
He also commended the government for its efforts in organizing the annual pilgrimage, the largest gathering of Muslims in the world, in an excellent manner and praised all those who contributed for its success.
He also extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to King Abdullah, and Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior as well as to the armed forces personnel stationed across the Kingdom.
Prince Salman expressed his deep sorrow over the demise of Prince Sultan, who died at a US hospital on Oct. 22 following a prolonged illness. “I share your pain and sorrow over Prince Sultan’s death. May Allah bless him by giving him the Paradise,” he said, adding that Sultan’s death was a big loss for the nation.
“Although Prince Sultan has passed away, his good words, deeds, values, and dealings will remain forever. He had lived with the army for 50 years. His activities and efforts for the development of the armed forces will be recorded by history in golden letters. Prince Sultan had gotten an opportunity to work with five Saudi kings,” Salman said and commended Sultan’s wisdom and administrative acumen.
Salman was appointed defense minister last week.
Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail warned against the dangerous developments surrounding the Kingdom and called for quick action to modernize the armed forces.
“The Saudi armed forces are well aware of the new developments in the Middle East and understands the dangers surrounding the Kingdom,” the general said, adding that the dangerous developments were threatening national security.
He emphasized the Saudi forces’ determination to confront challenges. “With the power of God, support of our government and your instructions, we are ready to confront those dangers with force and determination,” he told Salman.
“Under the present circumstances, more efforts are required from all forces in their locations in order for the armed forces become a shield for this country and we should be in a high state of combat readiness,” the general told top commanders who attended Prince Salman’s inauguration as defense minister.
“For this preparedness we all wish for expediting endeavors to meet the armed forces’ requirements in accordance with a plan that has been presented to the higher authorities,” the general said, adding that the strategic plan was aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the armed forces.
Gen. Al-Qubail said the new plan was prepared on the directives of Prince Khaled bin Sultan, deputy minister of defense and aviation. The new plan will be presented to Prince Salman shortly.
Al-Qubail expressed deep sorrow over Sultan’s death and noted the big role played by the late prince in the development of armed forces over the past 50 years.
“Under Prince Sultan’s leadership the Saudi armed forces achieved remarkable advancements in terms of training, weaponry and combat capability. Saudi forces have now become equal to many advanced armed forces in the world,” the general said.
“Today the armed forces are honored to welcome Prince Salman, who is the ideal successor to Prince Sultan,” he said and praised Salman’s long-standing administrative experience as governor of Riyadh province.
“Thanks to your hard work Riyadh has become one of the modern cities in the Middle East,” he said. He also noted the long-standing military experience gained by Prince Khaled bin Sultan, the new deputy defense minister. He wished both Salman and Khaled every success.
“You will find every support and cooperation from the armed forces. We will obey all your commands to carry out our mission with full capability and efficiency,” Al-Qubail told Prince Salman.
