Ghamdi and Faris Al-Qahtani RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman called on Shoura Council members to serve the interests of the nation and citizens with full dedication. Addressing the members following their swearing-in-ceremony, the King said: "You work only for the sake of the nation, and that will make you distinguished." King Salman started his speech saying: "I am pleased to be with you this day. Your country has many competent men and women. The nation is proud of you all. The approach of Shoura is the approach followed by the nation since the period of King Abdul Aziz, and it is the approach ordained by Islam." "Your views and proposals as well as your business at the Council will be appreciated by your nation, your citizens and me personally." The monarch emphasized that the Shoura Council, the Council of Ministers and other entities, both public and private, are complementary to each other. "I advise you to fear Allah Almighty in secret and public, and take care of the interests of the nation and people," the King added. King Salman will open on Wednesday the 7th session of the Shoura Council. The King will deliver an address setting the roadmap for the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policies. On Tuesday, 150 members — including 30 women — took the oath of office before the King. As many as 75 new members — 60 males and 15 females — were appointed to the Council. [caption id="attachment_105753" align="alignright" width="300"] As many as 75 new members — 60 males and 15 females — have been appointed to the Council. — SPA[/caption]The 7th session of four-year duration will officially start next Monday. At the outset of the session, the members will choose to join any of the Council's 14 committees and will then elect chairmen and deputy chairmen of the committees. Shoura Council President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh said that the sons of Saudi Arabia as well as political observers and economists are eagerly waiting to hear the speech of the King. "As usual, the Council, every year, considers the King's speech as the basic document and a roadmap for its activities and an encouragement in serving the nation and its religion." "The speech will have an impact on the Council's performance," Shoura Council member Abdul Rahman Al-Atawi said, hoping that all citizens will join hands with the leadership for the welfare of the country. Abdullah Al-Fifi, another member, said King Salman's political, economic, social and cultural reforms have started to bear fruits. Mohammed Al-Naji, another member, said, "Thanks to King Salman's wise leadership, the Kingdom has been able to withstand the global financial crisis and safeguard all its economic and financial gains."
