RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would stand by the State of Qatar without limits in all measures it takes in the wake of the Israeli aggression. "Saudi Arabia rejects and condemns the Israeli aggression against Qatar and would mobilize all its capabilities in supporting the neighboring country," he said while inaugurating, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the activities of the second year of the 9th session of the Shoura Council in Riyadh on Wednesday. "We reject and condemn the aggressions of the Israeli occupation in the region, most recently its brutal attack on the State of Qatar. This aggression requires Arab, Islamic, and international action to stop the occupation and deter its criminal practices aimed at destabilizing the region," he said. In the annual address to the Shoura Council, the Crown Prince outlined Saudi Arabia's domestic and foreign policy priorities. He emphasized that the Saudi state was founded three centuries ago on firm principles rooted in upholding Islamic law, justice, and consultation. "The Kingdom is working to improve quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors. Saudi Arabia's efforts are centered on elevating the standard of its citizens and advancing the nation across all fields," he said. Referring to the robust growth witnessed by the Saudi economy, the Crown Prince said that the Kingdom's GDP has exceeded SR4.5 trillion and the country has become a global investment destination. "Our economy continues to diversify its paths and enhance its capacity to reduce reliance on oil. For the first time in our history, non-oil activities have accounted for 56 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which has surpassed SR4.5 trillion. The decision by 660 global companies to select Saudi Arabia as their regional headquarters, exceeding the 2030 target, reflects the achievements made in infrastructure and digital services, underscoring the resilience and future prospects of the Saudi economy." He announced that the Kingdom is working to strengthen its defense capabilities. The Crown Prince noted that the Kingdom continues to assess the economic and social impact of public spending. "The state recognizes that maintaining strong public finances, independent of a single volatile revenue source, is essential for sustainable development and economic diversification, and will create diverse job opportunities," he said. "Policies have been introduced to restore balance in the real estate sector," the Crown Prince said while noting that the real estate prices in some areas in the Kingdom have reached unacceptable levels. Emphasizing Saudi Arabia's firm position on the Palestinian issue, the Crown Prince reiterated that Gaza is a Palestinian land and the rights of its people cannot be taken away by any aggression. "We also condemn the continued brutal assaults on the Palestinian people in Gaza and the crimes of starvation and forced displacement. Gaza's land is Palestinian, and the right of its people is inalienable. Our position is steadfast in protecting this right and preventing violations." Saudi Arabia's efforts have secured international support for the two-state solution for Palestine, the Crown Prince said while reiterating the call for all countries to join in supporting the two-state solution. "The Arab Peace Initiative launched by the Kingdom in 2002, advanced internationally through the two-state solution framework, remains the path toward establishing a Palestinian state. The international conference on implementing the two-state solution, held in New York, achieved unprecedented mobilization and reinforced global consensus on this initiative," he said, while emphasizing that the Kingdom's stance in supporting Palestinian rights remains unwavering. Pledging support to Syria in rebuilding the war-ravaged country, the Crown Prince said that the Kingdom has succeeded in lifting sanctions on Syria to safeguard its territorial integrity. Earlier, upon his arrival at the Shoura Council headquarters, the Crown Prince was received by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh. The speaker delivered a speech welcoming the Crown Prince. He noted that during the first year of the ninth session, the Council held intensive meetings, conducted detailed studies, and issued 462 decisions, including 180 related to annual reports of government agencies, 55 related to systems and regulations, and 225 concerning agreements, treaties, and memoranda of understanding.
