On Behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH Crown Prince Inaugurates 2nd Year of 9th Session of Shura Council

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the second year of the ninth session of the Shura Council today.
 Upon his arrival at the Shura Council headquarters, HRH the Crown Prince was received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and Shura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh. The Royal Anthem was played, and officials greeted HRH the Crown Prince before he proceeded to the session's hall, where a commemorative ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
 Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh delivered a speech welcoming HRH the Crown Prince and expressing gratitude for his graciousness in delivering the annual royal address and inaugurating the second year of the ninth session on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
 Dr. Al Al-Sheikh expressed his thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince for their constant care and attention to the Shura Council, stressing that their sound directives have enabled the Council to fulfill its duties and exercise its powers in a way that meets ambitions and achieves aspirations. 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.
 He emphasized that the support and attention received by the Shura Council from the leadership have given it a prominent role in regional and international parliamentary organizations, contributing to highlighting the Kingdom's positions and serving its causes. In conclusion, he welcomed HRH the Crown Prince once again, affirming that the annual royal speech serves as a guiding beacon with its lofty directives and sound visions. He prayed to Allah Almighty to preserve Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince and to perpetuate the Kingdom's prosperity and stability.
 On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH the Crown Prince then delivered the annual royal address at the opening of the second year of the ninth session of the Shura Council. The full text of the address is as follows:
 On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, we inaugurate the second year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, asking Almighty Allah to grant us success and guide our efforts.
 Three centuries ago, this state was founded on solid principles rooted in upholding Islamic Sharia and establishing justice and consultation. We take great pride in this blessed path, and in the honor bestowed upon us by Allah to serve the Two Holy Mosques, a responsibility to which we devote utmost attention and care and dedicate all our energies.
 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% of gross domestic product (GDP), which has surpassed SAR4.5 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.
 As part of investments in future trends, agreements concluded in artificial intelligence complement aspects of Vision 2030's programs, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub in this field over the coming years.
 Through our military programs, we are working to elevate defense capabilities to the most advanced global levels. Cooperation with our strategic partners is contributing to localizing and accelerating the military industry, which has now reached more than 19%, up from no more than 2%.
 The state recognizes that strong public finances not reliant on a single, volatile source of revenue are essential for development and sustainable diversification. Since the launch of the Vision, we have worked to build this foundation, positioning the Kingdom as a resilient economy and attractive investment destination. Many targets have already been achieved, including unemployment falling to its lowest level, women's participation in the labor market reaching record levels, and a decline in the proportion of low-income individuals.
 The strong economic growth the Kingdom is experiencing has been accompanied by rising residential property prices in some regions. This has distorted the sector and raised average housing costs relative to income. Policies are therefore being developed to rebalance the sector, reduce costs, encourage real estate development, and provide diverse housing options for citizens and investors.
 Our achievements at home go hand in hand with efforts to achieve regional stability. We reject and condemn the aggressions of the Israeli occupation, 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. We stand fully with Qatar in all the measures it takes.
 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.
 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.
 On Syria, the Kingdom has taken pivotal positions and initiatives, including efforts to safeguard territorial integrity and rebuild its economy. We also hope to see stability achieved in Lebanon, Yemen, and Sudan.
 Brothers and Sisters,
 The Shura Council has a clear imprint through its contributions to developing legislation, completing the legislative framework, and updating it so that our nation is among the world’s most advanced legislatively.
 In conclusion, we reiterate that the foundation of all our work and aspirations is the dignity of the citizen and the advancement of our beloved country in all fields.
 Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
 Afterward, the Royal Anthem was played, and HRH the Crown Prince departed, bid farewell with the same warmth and honor with which he was received.