RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman delivered a firm message on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to de-escalation and diplomacy while making clear that the Kingdom’s security remains non-negotiable. “We will not hesitate to respond decisively to any threat or attack aimed at undermining it,” he said while inaugurating, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the activities of the third year of the 9th session of the Shoura Council in Riyadh on Wednesday. **media[2773933]**In annual royal address to the Shoura Council, the Crown Prince outlined the Kingdom’s key domestic and foreign policy priorities.The Crown Prince emphasized that Saudi Arabia possesses highly efficient human and military capabilities, capable of fully confronting and deterring threats, regardless of their source. “The attacks targeting all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states underscore that Gulf security and stability are indivisible. We are working with our brothers to safeguard Gulf security, pursue strategic cooperation and economic integration, and continue implementing the vision of King Salman to enhance joint action in a manner that achieves the Shoura Council's objectives and fulfills the aspirations of its citizens,” he said.“In the context of our contributions to strengthening regional stability, sparing it the consequences of tension and conflict, and coordinating efforts, the "Makkah Defense Pact" was formulated by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. This pact stems from our joint efforts to play our role in promoting security and stability in the region,” he said while appreciating the support of friendly nations for the Kingdom and their contributions to enhancing security and stability. **media[2773934]**The Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s monumental role in safeguarding global energy security in the context of the current energy crisis. “Today, the world faces an energy crisis with potentially far-reaching consequences. The Kingdom has been a vital safeguard for global energy security, maintaining oil supplies to international markets despite escalating tensions,” he said.The Crown Prince emphasized that Saudi Arabia has also taken the initiative to establish the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance maritime security, protect shared interests in international waterways, and reject their exploitation as tools for political or economic pressure. The Kingdom is working diligently with its partners to strengthen international cooperation for security, de-escalation, and defusing tensions to achieve regional and international stability,” he said while emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the safe flow of essential goods and humanitarian aid.Lasting political solution for Palestine The Crown Prince strongly condemned the continued brutal attacks by the occupying power against our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip and its repeated violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. “We call upon the international community, and the Security Council in particular, to play its expected role in reaching a lasting political solution.”The Kingdom's commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is unwavering, and its efforts will continue until the Palestinian people achieve their legitimate rights, including the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international law.In Yemen, the Kingdom affirms its comprehensive support, through the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy, for the Yemeni government to extend its authority over the entire country, restore stability, and confront the attacks of the terrorist Houthi militias, who have chosen chaos and destruction, threatening the Yemeni people and the region.Saudi Arabia also affirms its steadfast position in support of the unity and stability of Sudan, the preservation of its legitimate institutions, and sparing its people the tragedies of war and devastation. Saudi Vision programs achieve 93% targetsIn the royal address, the Crown Prince noted that Saudi Arabia will complete 300 years since its founding on its upcoming anniversary. Throughout its history, it has been founded upon the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Messenger, adhering to monotheism and justice. This is a path from which we will not deviate, while preserving its heritage and authentic values, which grow ever more deeply rooted and stronger with each passing day. This has strengthened the citizen's adherence to his pure faith and firmly established national identity. **media[2773932]**God has honored our nation with the service of the Two Holy Mosques, their development, and the care of their visitors. This stems from our long-standing commitment to this responsibility and our pride in this great honor bestowed upon us by God. In the address, the Crown Prince spoke at length about the remarkable advantages and fruits of Saudi Vision 2030. “Ten fruitful years of Vision 2030 have passed, during which the performance indicators for the Vision's programs and strategies achieved 93 percent of their targets, thanks to God and then to the performance and competence of our citizens, both men and women, who have been the foundation of every success.”He said that the non-oil exports recorded growth of 155 percent compared to 2016, reflecting the increasing presence of products from this sector. The private sector's contribution to the economy rose to 51 percent, while the transportation and logistics system demonstrated its ability to cope with changes in supply chains and maintain the smooth flow of goods and services. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched its five-year strategy, focusing on building highly competitive local economic ecosystems through a pivotal partnership with the private sector. The strategy aims to enhance local content, achieve economic transformation, and generate sustainable financial returns. At the same time, the National Development Fund (NDF) contributes to the development of numerous sectors, supported by annual funding that ensures the achievement of its objectives. The Crown Prince said that Saudi Arabia is advancing globally across many indicators, including first place in the Digital Readiness Index, the ICT Development Index, and the Cybersecurity Index. It also ranks second in the Digital Government Maturity Index and has entered the list of the top ten most attractive countries for mining investment.“We have designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring our commitment to making the Kingdom a global leader in developing AI applications and solutions and leveraging them to increase productivity, improve service quality, and train Saudi talent,” he said. Resilient and diversified economyReferring to the measures taken to confront the potential challenges, the Crown Prince said: “The events currently unfolding in the region have demonstrated that long-term planning does not imply stagnation or inertia, but rather the ability to adapt to change. Amid the ongoing global transformations, the importance of reforms that have diversified the economy and enhanced the Kingdom's ability to manage crises and successfully transform threats into opportunities is evident. These reforms have strengthened the Kingdom's position and enabled it to pursue its development priorities efficiently and sustainably.”He emphasized that the current circumstances demonstrate the resilience of the national economy, the maturity of its institutions, the strength of state institutions, and its financial sustainability. “The core of the Kingdom's economic policies lies in developing national capabilities and potential, empowering promising sectors, attracting local and international investments, and directing resources toward areas with the highest economic and social impact. This ensures the Kingdom's capacity to finance development priorities and guarantees the sustainability of its gains for future generations,” he said in the royal address.The primary goal of all the state's actions is the advancement and prosperity of the nation and the improvement of the quality of life within it, the Crown Prince highlighted. “The education and health sectors remain at the forefront of our ongoing attention and are prioritized in the state budget. The decision regarding the public education system was made to fulfill aspirations that will elevate the quality of education to a leading global standard, while the healthcare transformation is progressing rapidly to ensure that healthcare services are of the highest quality and available with comprehensive coverage for all citizens,” he said.“While successfully reducing unemployment rates, we are working to invest in human capital, thereby maximizing opportunities for citizens to enter the labor market and enabling them to compete and excel in all fields, thus becoming the driving force of development. The real estate sector reform measures have yielded results, providing citizens with diverse options, enhancing the efficiency of the real estate market, and increasing homeownership rates. We are continuing to address the challenges facing this sector and are committed to taking steps that benefit citizens in all aspects of their lives, without compromising development or the resources of future generations, while ensuring the financial and economic stability of the state,” he said in the address.The Crown Prince concluded the royal address by saluting the brave security forces. “We are proud of our valiant heroes for confronting all forms of threats and for their constant vigilance and readiness to ensure that security remains the umbrella of our nation, stability its shield, and prosperity its path. We also thank our brothers and sisters, members of the Shoura Council, for their commendable efforts.” **media[2773935]** Earlier upon his arrival at the Shoura Council headquarters, the Crown Prince was received by Emir of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar; Deputy Emir of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman; and Speaker of the Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh.Deputy Speaker Dr. Meshal Al-Sulami; Assistant Speaker Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi; Secretary General of the Council Mohammed Al-Mutairi; and the heads of the Shoura Council committees greeted the Crown Prince. Speaker Al-Sheikh delivered a speech welcoming the Crown Prince.