In the name of God, the Almighty, the All‑Powerful.
I inaugurate this Council, seeking from Him guidance and success in all that serves the interests of our nation and our country. I extend my thanks to the members of my previous government—foremost among them my brother and Crown Prince, Faisal—for the distinguished services they rendered. I trust that you will place above all else the fear of God in all your actions and decisions, and that your foremost aim will be the service of the sons of our people.
I have no doubt that you fully appreciate the gravity of the responsibility placed upon each of you, individually and collectively. My choice of you was based on the loyalty I perceive in you toward your country, your devotion to its service, and your desire to work for all that elevates its standing and strengthens its position among nations, while safeguarding it from the dangers that have engulfed many countries around the world.
You are well aware that the primary foundation upon which our state stands is our adherence to the teachings of our noble religion, the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—and our proud Arab heritage. Among our foremost duties is to dedicate our efforts to consolidating stability by eradicating poverty, ignorance, and disease; to follow sound scientific methods; and to establish a specialized body to undertake comprehensive planning and proper guidance for our national economy. We must also shape our educational policy in a manner that fulfills these objectives, drawing upon the experience of those who preceded us in this field.
The formation of this ministry is but a first step, to be followed—God willing—by further steps that will achieve our aspirations for the welfare of our people, support them, and enable their participation in the administration of public affairs in accordance with the teachings of our religion and the traditions of our nation. We shall devote attention to establishing a basic system of governance that defines the responsibilities of groups and individuals, clarifying their rights and duties in accordance with our noble religion and the Sunnah of our Prophet.
Regarding our currency, you are aware of our keen desire to strengthen and reinforce it. Beyond this, we believe it essential that such reinforcement be accompanied by measures that promote economic activity and eliminate stagnation. Indeed, the address we delivered on the anniversary of our accession best expresses our aims and projects. We have found an urgent need to develop administrative methods to keep pace with the progress we have achieved.
With God’s help, we shall work to establish regulations that ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of all state institutions. We shall give particular attention to issuing the Provincial System to facilitate governance and achieve decentralization. We shall also issue the Companies Law and the Law for the Trial of Ministers, and we shall review certain existing regulations that have been the subject of complaint or criticism, amending them in ways that serve the interests of citizens and improve administrative performance.
We shall also devote attention to radio and the press, recognizing them as effective instruments of guidance. The press shall enjoy its freedom within the bounds of the law. And given the importance we attach to the development of our natural resources for the benefit of our people and our country, we have established a Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to oversee these two principal sectors.
As for our foreign policy, it is founded upon close cooperation with our sister Arab states in pursuit of the aspirations shared by all Arabs, in adherence to the Charter of the Arab League, and in exerting every effort to restore to our brothers in Palestine, Algeria, Oman, and the South Arabian territories their usurped rights.
Regarding Al‑Buraimi, we await the outcome of the efforts of the Secretary‑General of the United Nations to resolve this dispute by peaceful means; otherwise, we shall not hesitate to take all measures necessary to restore that part of our land.
Our relations with foreign states are based on mutual respect and complete neutrality. We cooperate with Arab and Islamic countries and with the Afro‑Asian bloc, in affirmation of the principles of Bandung and the Charter of the United Nations.
In conclusion, you must recognize that we all work toward a single goal: the advancement and prosperity of our country. Undoubtedly, deeds—not words—are the true measure of success.
May God grant us all success in serving our nation and our country. Peace be upon you.