Agence France Press (AFP), a leading international news agency, hailed the special care and attention accorded by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to the concerns of citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in spite of his hectic schedule.
AFP focused on the audiences held by the Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, which are attended by citizens and expatriates, who brief him on their needs and requirements.
“In spite of his hectic schedule,” AFP said, “Crown Prince Abdullah continues an old tradition of receiving needy citizens in his palace.” It noted that Saudi citizens and expatriates come to the palace and enter the open ‘Diwan’ (Court) with ease and comfort.
AFP said that the Crown Prince receives citizens and expatriates twice a week to listen to them with open-heartedness, and to resolve their various problems, stressing that this tradition is part of daily life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and added that he also listens to complaints and grievances of citizens, as do other Saudi princes.
It noted that the Crown Prince begins his audiences, which receive thousands, with the recitation of some verses of the Holy Quran, shakes hands with Ulema (Islamic scholars), citizens and expatriate guests, and then listens to their needs.
The agency highlighted the modesty of the Crown Prince, and his desire to welcome the needy. “The Crown Prince insists that the needy sit in front of him so that he can listen to their grievances directly; he then gives directives to resolve their problems and deal with their concerns.”
AFP also highlighted the Crown Prince’s firm belief that Islam is “a religion of tolerance, which does not allow terrorism or killing of the innocent.” It referred to the Crown Prince’s call upon citizens and expatriates alike to cooperate with security authorities to preserve security and safety in the land of the holy sites and the last heavenly message to mankind.
Source: SPA
