JEDDAH: National Public Radio (NPR), one of America’s most popular private broadcasters, has lauded the initiatives by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to transform the economy.

The article on the NPR’s website on May 9 stated that King Salman “has unleashed major initiatives and shaken up the Kingdom, setting a course for change in a land where the watchwords have long been tradition, stability and continuity.”

The Kingdom was working to become a country that would fulfill the aspirations of its citizens, ensure sustainable development and a diversified economy that would be dependent on investments, the NPR stated.

It said that the Kingdom has shown a stronger resolve in terms of foreign policy by launching a war against the Houthis, which it has accused of trying to create trouble in the region, supported by Iran. In addition, the country has cut diplomatic ties with Tehran after its missions were attacked.

The NPR said that King Salman has overseen the launch of its Vision 2030 last month, which aimed to base the economy on investments, with the creation of a $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund. At the heart of the initiative was a proposed 5 percent initial public offering of oil giant Saudi Aramco.

“Many believe the driving force behind these changes is the king’s son, Mohammed bin Salman, who is around age 30 and serves as both the deputy crown prince and the defense minister,” the NPR stated.

“While the king is a rare public speaker, Prince Mohammed has given lengthy interviews, including a five-hour discussion in January with The Economist, where he described the country he wants to see.”

“A Saudi Arabia that is not dependent on oil; a Saudi Arabia with a growing economy; a Saudi Arabia with transparent laws; a Saudi Arabia with a very strong position in the world; a Saudi Arabia that can fulfill the dream of any Saudi, or his ambition, through creating enticing incentives, the right environment; a Saudi Arabia with sustainability; a Saudi Arabia that guarantees the participation of everyone in decision-making,” the NPR quoted Prince Muhammad as saying in the interview.

The NPR said that the appointment of Khalid Al-Falih as a technocrat minister at the helm of the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources would be key to the new initiatives, especially at a time of depressed oil prices.