Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minster and Defense Minister expressed his optimism for the country's future, attributing this to Allah's blessing and then to the King's judicious leadership. He said the King’s wisdom has ensured the safety of the Kingdom's citizens and residents and those who come from all the corners of the globe.

He made the comments during a gathering of officials, businessmen, dignitaries and citizens at the residence of Sheikh Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Member of the Board of Directors of Okaz Organization for Press and Publication.

'Most of you know how Jeddah was in the past and how it has become charming and fascinating.This happened through the efforts of the government and the citizens. It is one of the Kingdom’s cities which have witnessed lots of changes and scores of various development projects,' Prince Salman said.

'This would not have happened without the spirit of the sincere citizenship and the strong coherence between the sons of the soil and the leadership. Without this, our country would have not enjoyed this safety and security which we are looked upon for. Thus we should preserve it and work altogether to strengthen it, God willing.'

Citing an example for the prevailing family spirit in the country he said, 'Citizens always meet the king and address him by his first name, Abdullah, without titles and barriers.

'This reflects the common love and affection between a king close to the hearts of people who love their leader and feel close to him. This is a blessing from Almighty Allah.'

He said the events being witnessed by the region necessitate more collective efforts toward building, development, cooperation and coherence and added that the government gives preference to the Saudi citizen and his needs.

'We are going ahead in this direction, Allah Willing. It‘s enough that we live in a holy, great, sanctified and popular country. This country is not only distinguished by its spirituality and historic status but also by its men.'

The gathering was also attended by Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, the Advisor to the King and his Special Envoy, Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, Minister of Education, Prince Saud Bin Naif, Chief of the Crown Prince’s Court, Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman, Assistant Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for Petroleum Affairs, Prince Sultan Bin Salman, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Prince Faisal Bin Salman, Chairman of the Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG), Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Special Advisor to the Crown Prince, Prince Bandar Bin Salman and Turki Bin Salman. Sheikh Saleh Kamel, his brother Omar Kamel and his sons Abdullah and Mohiuddin led the Crown Prince’s reception.