Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud vowed that low oil prices would not halt progress in his country, and promised to defend Arab and Muslim causes around the world in his first major policy speech since assuming the throne.
In Tuesday’s televised address, King Salman also promised improvements in education and healthcare, and to find solutions for affordable housing shortages.
In an acknowledgement of the kingdom’s burgeoning young population, the 79-year-old monarch urged businesses to help create jobs, calling it a national duty.
King Salman assumed the throne in January after King Abdullah’s death.
“Every citizen in the country and every region of our nation are of my concern, interest and care,” King Salman said, adding that all Saudis are equal before his eyes.
Throughout the speech, he addressed both men and women, referring to them as “brothers and sisters” and “my sons and daughters”.
The conservative country has been criticised for its limited women’s rights.
Further than the much-publicised prohibition of women to drive, every woman in Saudi Arabia must have a male guardian – usually a husband or father, sometimes a son. Women have to seek permission from their guardian to travel, work, marry or make many other decisions.
The country’s Shia minority has also complained of widespread discrimination.
(Al Jazeera) Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com