“My beloved people,”
“On the occasion of the completion of nine years since we assumed the reins of our Kingdom, it pleases me to address you, raising my hands in gratitude to Almighty God for His blessings upon us and upon our country — for enabling us to uphold His Sharia, elevate the banners of His religion, and work to provide prosperity for our nation.”
“We have exerted every effort to fulfill the aspirations of our people and to raise the standing of our noble nation to the rank it deserves. You can see for yourselves the ongoing development across our land — the spread of education, the establishment of health services, the facilitation of public welfare, the strengthening of security and stability, and the linking of the country’s regions with modern means of transportation.”
Development of the Holy Sites and National Projects
“I am pleased to highlight what we have accomplished in expanding and developing the Two Holy Mosques, paving the roads leading to them, and increasing the facilities available to the pilgrims in Arafat and Mina so they may perform their rites with ease and comfort.”
“We have also taken major steps, in cooperation with our sister nations Jordan and Syria, to rebuild the Hejaz Railway. By God’s grace, we have concluded comprehensive agreements with Jordan in military, economic, cultural, and other fields.”
“We hope — and call upon — other Arab countries to join us in these efforts, which will benefit us all, uniting our ranks to face the dangers confronting the Arab nation, especially the threat of Israel.”
“No doubt you have read the statement issued by our esteemed government under the leadership of our brother Prince Faisal, prepared under our guidance and approval. It outlines the broad reforms we have resolved to introduce into the machinery of government and to elevate our nation. With God’s help, we will work with all our strength to implement these reforms.”
The Yemen Crisis
“It saddens us to speak of the reckless sedition that erupted in Yemen — a sedition that had been dormant — plunging that dear country into a devastating civil war. During the brief period in which His Majesty Imam Muhammad al‑Badr assumed the throne, he announced his intention to introduce wide‑ranging reforms. He began by releasing political prisoners — including the very leaders who later ignited this sedition — and abolishing outdated practices such as the hostage system.”
“Yet he was betrayed by members of his own military leadership, who had pledged loyalty to him. They seized power, announced his death, and executed many of his brothers, family members, ministers, senior officials, and other notable figures of Yemen.”
“In accordance with our declared policy — consistently applied in all circumstances — of non‑interference in the internal affairs of our Arab sisters, we refrained from any action. However, we maintained our recognition of the legitimate government of Imam al‑Badr, which continues to be recognized by the overwhelming majority of nations.”
“Given the grave turmoil unfolding on our southern border, we strengthened our defensive positions, without intervening in the fighting between the rebellious officers and the national forces representing the majority of the Yemeni people under the banner of their legitimate Imam, whom God saved from the death intended for him.”
“We continue to call upon all nations — especially Arab nations — to cease interfering in Yemen and to allow its noble people to resolve their internal affairs independently.”
Egypt’s Intervention
“It pains us that the rulers of Cairo have intervened openly in this internal conflict, sending Egyptian troops to Yemen to crush its people and impose their will — using aircraft to destroy towns and villages and kill innocent civilians.”
“This aggression did not stop there; it extended to attacks on our borders and on our peaceful citizens. This compelled us to sever political relations with Egypt.”
“In the face of this deplorable aggression, we can only pray that God guides our sister Egypt back to the path of righteousness, that it leaves Yemen to its own people so they may freely express their will, and that He supports the Yemeni people in their struggle to uphold truth and defeat falsehood. He is our Protector and the best of helpers.”