KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Malaysia Mesaad Ibrahim Abdullah Al Sulaim said that in celebrating the nation’s Founding Day on Wednesday (Feb 22), his country is proud of the state’s steadfastness, its strong roots, the close connection between the people and the wise leadership and the country’s achievements that established unity, security and stability.
He said the celebration of the Founding Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the revival of a historical and civilisational event for the birth of the Saudi nation since Imam Muhammad bin Saud took over the leadership of the Emirate of Diriyah.
Mesaad Al Sulaim explained that Imam Muhammad unified the regions of the emirate, secured the stability of the neighbouring towns and tribes, in addition to protecting the pilgrimage and trade routes and regulating the economic conditions in the country.
“Thus, the first phase of the unification of the first Saudi state began. We also cherish the memory of this day in the concept of national unity established by the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman – in strengthening the building of this unified and cohesive state until we reach this prosperous era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” he said in an interview with Bernama in conjunction with the Founding Day.
The first Saudi state was founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 in the city of Diriyah. On Jan 27, 2022, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree to celebrate Feb 22 of each year as the nation’s Founding Day in appreciation of the establishment of the first Saudi state.
In outlining major achievements by Saudi since the establishment of first Saudi state and especially after 1932, he said that after centuries of dispersion and instability, the first Saudi state witnessed political independence and the organisational of economic resources, as Imam Muhammad bin Saud managed to make leaders of the region to declare joining the state.
Mesaad Al Sulaim said its capital, Diriyah, became a source of economic, social, intellectual and cultural attraction, and many scholars migrated to it at that time in order to receive education in all fields.
“On its soil, it embraces ancient archaeological landmarks such as the historical Ghsiba neighbourhood, the Samhan region, the Al-Bujairi region and the Al-Turaif neighbourhood, which was described as one of the largest mud neighbourhoods in the world and was registered in the UNESCO Human Heritage List,” he further explained.
The ambassador said in the year of 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud was able to restore power and established the second Saudi state in a short period of time, continuing the approach on which the first Saudi state was based, which is preserving security, education, justice and the judiciary from division and rivalry.
He said the state continued to rule the region until 1891, and 10 years after its completion, and on Jan 15, 1902, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal Al Saud succeeded in establishing the Saudi state as he was able to unify it under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – and his sons, the kings – followed on his footsteps building the country.
“Saudi has witnessed remarkable development at all levels and qualitative shifts in education, health, security, social welfare, industry, trade and technology thus leading to an era of growth and prosperity under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Muhammad bin Salman who announced the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he pointed out.
Mesaad Al Sulaim said that since its launching, it has many achievements, enabling the Kingdom to develop its economy and achieve a future full of opportunities.
In the context of the 11 visions under the Vision 2030, realisation programmes were designed and translated into action and helped achieve remarkable successes through the three main pillars – the first a vibrant society with deep roots, a solid structure based on the values of moderate Islam belonging to the homeland, and pride in Islamic culture and Saudi heritage.
In the same context also providing world-class entertainment options, a sustainable lifestyle, an effective health and social care system and to provide everyone with a decent life.
Another pillar – a prosperous economy that provides job opportunities for all citizens and a suitable environment to enable business and investment in an effort to benefit from the unique location of the Kingdom and its diverse capabilities.
The last pillar – an ambitious country that aims to transform into a high-performance government that is effective, transparent and accountable.
Mesaad Al Sulaim also pointed out that Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy away from traditional sources of income and in this context, financial measures are being implemented to create fiscal space to finance the specific initiatives outlined in Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In this regard, the leadership of the Kingdom under King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is working to overcome all difficulties to put the Kingdom in a prominent position in the world consistent with its religious and civil status,” the ambassador further said. – BERNAMA
