Address of King Saud at the Opening of the Council of Ministers After Assuming Its Presidency — 18 November 1960
In the name of Almighty God, His Majesty opened the first session of the newly formed Council of Ministers, invoking divine guidance and expressing gratitude to the members of the previous government—foremost among them Crown Prince Faisal—for their distinguished service. He urged the new ministers to place the fear of God at the forefront of all their actions and to dedicate themselves fully to serving the people.
His Majesty emphasized the gravity of the responsibilities entrusted to the ministers, noting that he had chosen them for their loyalty, devotion, and commitment to advancing the nation’s standing and safeguarding it from the dangers affecting many countries. He reaffirmed that the foundation of the state rests upon adherence to Islam, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the values of Arab identity.
The King outlined the priorities of the new government:
- Strengthening stability by combating poverty, ignorance, and disease.
- Establishing a comprehensive planning body to guide economic development.
- Reforming educational policy and benefiting from international expertise.
- Developing administrative systems and issuing foundational regulations consistent with Islamic principles.
- Supporting the national currency and stimulating economic activity.
- Modernizing state administration, issuing a provincial governance system, and enacting company and judicial laws.
- Enhancing the role of broadcasting and the press as instruments of public guidance, while ensuring press freedom within the law.
- Creating the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to manage the nation’s key natural assets.
In foreign policy, His Majesty reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to close cooperation with Arab states, supporting the struggles of Palestine, Algeria, Oman, and South Arabia. Regarding the Buraimi dispute, he stated that the Kingdom awaited the results of UN mediation but would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to restore its rights. Relations with foreign nations, he affirmed, would continue on the basis of mutual respect, neutrality, and cooperation with Arab, Islamic, and Afro‑Asian countries in accordance with the principles of Bandung and the UN Charter.
His Majesty concluded by reminding the ministers that all efforts must serve a single purpose: the progress and prosperity of the nation, and that true success is measured by deeds, not words.