Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, yesterday received a number of princes, Islamic scholars including Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, the chairman and members of the Shoura Council, senior military and civilian officials and a large number of citizens who came to pledge their allegiance.
Crown Prince Salman said he would exert all possible efforts in the service of the country, and fulfilling the expectations of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
“I deem it a great honor that I have been selected by King Abdullah to be the country’s crown prince and deputy premier,” he said addressing the chief of staff and top commanders of the armed forces, who came to pledge their allegiance.
The crown prince reminded the armed forces of their great responsibility in defending the Kingdom, the land of Islam and Arabs.
Prince Salman added: “When I take charge as the crown prince and deputy premier after my late brothers Prince Sultan and Prince Naif, I feel a huge responsibility and I consider them as examples.”
However, the crown prince said he would try his best to achieve the government’s objectives and strengthen the country's security and stability, following the king’s directives and guidance.
Prince Salman said Saudi Arabia would stay on its Islamic path without deviation. "This country was founded on the basis of Islamic faith... and it will continue on the same path," the crown prince said.
The function was attended by Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan, Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail, and Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Binayan, director general of the defense minister's office.
Prince Salman earlier received condolences on the death of Prince Naif and accepted oath of allegiance from the military officers. Al-Qubail earlier spoke on Prince Naif's qualities and achievements. On behalf of all sectors of the armed forces, he congratulated Prince Salman.
"This selection of King Abdullah denotes the wisdom and vision of the Saudi leadership," Gen. Al-Qubail said and underscored Prince Salman's long-standing services to the country as an experienced statesman.
Meanwhile, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Northern Border Province Gov. Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Fahd, Baha Gov. Prince Mishari bin Saud, Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled, Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed and Najran Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah received oath of allegiance from civilian and military officers in their respective regions on behalf of Prince Salman.
