Saudi Arabia: King Salman’s major speech

On 10 March, King Salman Bin Abdelaziz made his first major speech since becoming king. The speech, broadcast on state television, was made at his palace to an assembly of princes, regional governors, ministers, the grand mufti, ulema and MPs. He reiterated the message that his would be a reign of continuity (a point he was quick to make after Abdullah’s death ), said foreign policy would remain committed to Islam, and noted that there was a move towards greater Arab unity. He touched on the need for economic diversification and support for the private sector, and said the state would try to limit the adverse effects of low oil prices. In a speech that stressed the need for unity and equality, Salman said the media must “air the facts instead of provoking difference or disagreement among the components of society”.