RIYADH – The Kingdom's leadership is always open to positive criticism from intellectuals and media fraternity, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has said. Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, editors-in-chief of newspapers, writers and other media personalities, the King said the leadership assumed the responsibility of running the state in good faith and is diligently shouldering the responsibility entrusted to it. Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel Al-Turaifi led the gathering at Al-Yamamah Palace here on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Saudi society, King Salman said, is cohesive and intellectuals, media personnel and all others cooperate with one another and treat one another as brothers. The Kingdom bases its constitution on the Noble Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As such, the King said, it is imperative that the Kingdom's mass media and it's approach also adhere to the Islamic teachings. He added that the Kingdom's intellectuals "should have a full knowledge of the great importance of this country." King Salman said: "The Kingdom is the point of origin of the Arabs and that of the Book and the Sunnah. All Arabs should be proud that the Qur'an was revealed to an Arab Prophet, in an Arab land and in Arabic language. This indeed is a great blessing. It is a great responsibility as well. "Saudi young men and women must realize the importance of their country." King Salman thanked Allah for the security and stability that the Kingdom enjoys. He said pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors come to Makkah and Madinah and travel from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf with peace of mind, security and stability. They also travel from the south to the north while enjoying these bounties. "These are the blessings from Allah," the King said. Dr. Al-Turaifi thanked King Salman for the support and care that he provides to all intellectuals and cultural and information institutions. Al-Turaifi said that King Salman's speeches are a guideline for cultural and media work. He said the speeches stress the endeavor to continue building the nation and achieve integrated and comprehensive development in all provinces of the Kingdom. Al-Turaifi said security is among the greatest blessings that all must cooperate to protect. He said culture is not only participating in the information, literary and cultural activities, but it includes building human skills, enhancing man's awareness and protecting his thinking and approach so that he is a support for his state, nation and rulers.
