Officials, diplomats and academics on Wednesday praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for the social, political and economic action plan outlined in a major policy speech earlier this week.

Education Minister Azzam Al-Dakhil said the king’s address showed that he was committed to policies that would help the country weather political and economic developments in the world. The king’s address was an important plan of action to achieve prosperity for all citizens, he said.

Deputy Minister of Education Ahmed Al-Saif said the king’s emphasis on security, and political and urban issues would be welcomed by citizens because it ensures the country’s stability.

Makkah-based Um Al-Qura University’s rector, Bakri Assas, said that the address was significant because it laid the foundation for the increased provision of suitable housing, job creation and the continual exploitation of natural resources.

Baha Gov. Prince Mishari bin Saud said King Salman has prioritized welfare projects for citizens; while Ghassan Al-Shibl, chief executive officer of Advanced Electronics, described the king’s address as a road map and strategy to achieve balanced development on political, social and economic fronts.

Minister of Transport Abdullah Al-Muqbil said the speech showed the king’s concern for the well-being of citizens; and the continuation of a moderate approach in dealing with Arab, Islamic and global issues.

Argentina Ambassador Sergio Cerba said the king provided certainty about the direction of the Kingdom. “This is good news because even if oil prices today are low, the will of the Saudi authorities continues in addressing the Kingdom’s main concerns, such as education and the future exploration of oil and gas,” he said.

Ambassador Carlos Mora of Uruguay said: “As always, the custodian of the two holy mosques has expressed an enlightened vision about the future course for the Kingdom and I want to wish him the best in the realization of his vision.”

Meanwhile, several economists and top local businesspeople welcomed the king’s plan, saying it was a roadmap for a promising future.