Saudi king: security and economic development top priorities | The National

Are we too distracted by the extremist groups to see what is going on in one of the largest countries in the middle east? Middle eastern press and our own mass media push our attention away from important statements made by the head of state, King Salman, "Saudi Arabia’s foreign policies are aimed at serving Arab and Islamic causes."

What he is saying here is important. Who is he talking to? How should this affect our operations and foreign policy?

Iran is a threat to Saudi Arabia and they are engaged in fighting the Iran-backed Houthis from taking over Yemen.

RIYADH // Security and economic development will remain top priorities for Saudi Arabia, King Salman said in a televised speech on Wednesday.

Speaking before the National Advisory Council, King Salman said Saudi Arabia’s foreign policies are aimed at serving Arab and Islamic causes.

He also referred to the importance of Saudi Arabia’s custodianship of Islam’s two holiest sites.

Formerly Saudi Arabia’s defence minister, the king has made security his top priority since assuming the throne in January. Two months into his reign, Saudi Arabia launched an offensive in Yemen against Houthi rebels.

King Salman also quickly set a new course for the monarchy’s future by recasting the line of succession.

He named the interior minister Mohammed bin Nayef as the crown prince, and his 30-year-old son, Mohammed bin Salman as the deputy crown prince.