JEDDAH — Several countries and their leaders congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of the celebration of the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia.United States: On behalf of the United States of America, Marco Rubio, secretary of state, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people on the occasion of the 96th National Day, commemorating the unification of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Abdulaziz. “On this proud day, we celebrate the generosity and the ambition of the Saudi people. Over the past year, the United States and Saudi Arabia have taken historic steps to deepen our strategic partnership,” Rubio said in a statement, adding, “President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman finalized landmark agreements expanding Saudi investments in the United States, civil nuclear cooperation, and U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation — reflecting our shared commitment to regional security and stability. Today, we celebrate Saudi Arabia’s heritage and identity, and we look forward to a future of peace and prosperity for both of our nations.” Pakistan: Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated King Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people on the occasion of Saudi National Day. The Pakistani prime minister said Saudi Arabia's journey of progress and transformation is a source of pride and admiration not only for the Saudi people but also for Pakistan. He praised Saudi Arabia's achievements under the leadership and vision of the Crown Prince, highlighting its notable strides toward greater prosperity, modernization, and innovation. Sharif also affirmed Pakistan's pride in its historic and deep-rooted fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia, founded on faith, mutual trust, and close ties between the two peoples."Under the patronage of the Crown Prince, this brotherhood is evolving into a stronger strategic partnership based on a shared commitment to peace, security and the unity of the Muslim Ummah," he said while noting that the two countries have signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.Egypt: President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman on the occasion of Saudi National Day. He also sent a cable of congratulations to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi National Day.Morocco: King Mohammed VI of Morocco has sent cables of congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of Saudi National Day. He wished Saudi Arabia continued prosperity under its leadership.Qatar: Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman on the occasion of Saudi National Day. Deputy Emir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also sent congratulatory cables to the King.GCC: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi extended his highest congratulations and warmest felicitations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well as to the Saudi people on the occasion of the National Day. Albudaiwi expressed great pride in the Kingdom’s pivotal role and distinguished advancements, particularly in cementing the bonds of solidarity, cooperation, and integration among GCC member states to advance joint Gulf action, champion Arab and Islamic causes, and anchor regional security and stability. The GCC chief prayed to God the Almighty to safeguard Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people, and to bestow enduring security, safety, and prosperity upon the Kingdom and all GCC states and their peoples.