Government | Thursday 24 December, 2015 8:58 am |

Several Saudi officials, ministers and academics have praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for outlining key policy plans during his address to the Shoura Council on Wednesday, which they said would boost the country's economy and improve services for citizens.
Minister of Civil Service Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Araj said the king had outlined a comprehensive plan, which focused on sustainable development and meeting the needs of citizens. He said this had been a feature of the administration under the king.
Head of the Court of Appeals in Riyadh Abdulaziz bin Salih Al-Hamaid said the king had shown that the country had firm domestic and foreign policies in place.
Also in Riyadh, Secretary General of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Husain said it was a historic address that outlined a firm vision for local and external challenges.
Minister of Transport Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muqbil said the address focused on the importance of meeting the aspirations of citizens, with a particular emphasis on development in health, education, transport, housing and several sections of the economy.
He said the king's plans come at a time when Arab and Muslim countries are suffering from political, military and security setbacks. This requires them to unify their ranks and tackle terrorism in all its forms, he said.
Prince Naif bin Thinyyan bin Mohammed, head of the information department at King Saud University, said the king cares for the people and wants to ensure that everything is done to consult with them, and improve their standard of living.