Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, chairing the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers today, expressed the grief and sorrow not only of the Saudi people but also of the Muslim community over the death of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on his soul). He recounted King Fahd’s many achievements, including expanding the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring distribution of the Holy Qur’an, and in general serving Islam and the Muslims and supporting right and just causes at international as well as regional and Arab levels. The world, he said, has lost “a unique leader who had dedicated himself to achieving comprehensive prosperity for the Kingdom and lasting welfare for his people, and to supporting righteousness and assisting the oppressed”; and will miss “his brave and active contribution to the enhancement of peace, security and stability in the world.”
King Abdullah stressed that Saudi Arabia is committed to proceeding along the path set by the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman and followed by his sons, adhering to the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet's Sunnah (Traditions). Saudi Arabia, he said, has always been cognizant of its great responsibilities as the land of revelation, mission, and commitment to Arabs, and one of the world’s most influential countries in a number of spheres. The King reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy will remain the same, declaring: “We are determined to continue serious and persistent work in the service of Islam, the achievement of all that is good for our noble people, the support of Arab and Islamic issues, the enhancement of international peace and security, and the growth of the global economy. We pray to God Almighty to help us shoulder and fulfill this responsibility.”
King Abdullah went on to express his deep appreciation and gratitude to the many leaders and heads of delegations from overseas who offered their condolences and stood by the Kingdom, reflecting their great respect for Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people. He also praised the genuine and noble feelings of the Saudi people as they unite around their leaders and affirm their sincere and significant solidarity during this period of difficulty and misfortune. This nobility, he said, is appreciated and respected; he urged every effort to be made in their interest and for their prosperity, progress and promising future.
The Cabinet then reviewed the two speeches delivered on August 3, 2005 – the day of pledging allegiance – by King Abdullah and by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz. The Cabinet members offered their own deepest condolences on King Fahd’s death, to the King, the Crown Prince, the Royal Family, the Saudi people and all the Muslim community.
Expressing the hope that the gesture will be a positive motivation for unification of the ranks of the Arab world, King Abdullah issued a Royal Order pardoning the two Libyans detained in the Kingdom for their involvement, testified to by confirmed evidence, in conspiracy against the Kingdom's stability and security. The pardon emanates from the Kingdom's noble principles which are based on pursuit of unity and of bridging rifts.
Turning to its agenda, the Cabinet passed a number of resolutions, including approval for the addition of two new articles to the regulations against forgery that were issued in accordance with Royal Decree #114 dated May 11, 1961 [26/11/1380 H]; approval of a memorandum of understanding on bilateral political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Chinese counterpart; and authorization for the Minister of Justice or his deputy to discuss a draft agreement on judicial cooperation with the Republic of Turkey.
Return