Prince Turki’s Introduction:
The ambassador expressed gratitude for the invitation to speak at the National Press Club. He described his address as a “tour d’horizon,” a 360-degree assessment of the current situation before setting sail.

Middle East Turmoil and Saudi Stability:
The Middle East is experiencing significant changes, with governments collapsing, new social forces emerging, and international tensions escalating. Despite the surrounding turmoil, Saudi Arabia remains stable and secure due to wise leadership, social and political reforms, rising nationalism, infrastructure investments, and economic growth.

Challenges Facing Saudi Arabia:
The country faces challenges from both within and outside its borders. The ambassador encouraged the audience to recognize Saudi Arabia’s stability amidst the regional turmoil.

Political Changes in Arab Nations:
The ambassador began his discussion of regional storms with the political changes in Arab nations. He highlighted the Arab Spring uprisings that have led to regime changes and political instability in several countries. He emphasized the need for caution and careful planning to ensure stability during these transitions.

Navigating the Storms of Change:
Saudi Arabia emphasizes the need to focus on the consequences of social upheaval resulting from popular uprisings. The Arab Spring has led to instability and challenges in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. The situation in Bahrain is volatile, and problems could re-emerge. Syria faces a potential humanitarian crisis and could destabilize the region.

Iran’s Ambitions and Meddling:
Saudi Arabia expresses concern about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and interference in Arab nations. Iran should abandon its nuclear goals and support a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. Saudi Arabia supports sanctions, diplomacy, and UN action to address Iran’s nuclear program. The Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference calls for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Iran’s meddling in Arab affairs is exemplified by the assassination plot against Saudi ambassador Adel Jubeir. Iran funds non-state entities like Hezbollah, destabilizing the region.

The Palestinian Plight and the Path to Peace:
Saudi Arabia emphasizes the need to end the persecution of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. King Abdullah’s Arab Peace Initiative provides a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia supports Palestinian statehood and calls for substantive peace talks.

Terrorism and Emerging Threats:
Terrorism remains a significant threat, with various non-state actors exploiting power vacuums. Saudi Arabia collaborates with allies to combat terrorism and extremist groups.

Global Energy and Saudi Arabia’s Role:
Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in global energy supply and stability. The country invests in solar technology and plans to build nuclear power plants to meet domestic energy needs. Saudi Arabia aims to maintain its oil exporting capability while diversifying its energy mix. Its oil-producing infrastructure is well-protected by a specialized security force.

Saudi Arabia’s Unique Responsibility:
As the birthplace of Islam and a leader in the Muslim and Arab worlds, Saudi Arabia has a responsibility to engage in regional and global issues.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Regional Stability:
Saudi Arabia intends to fulfill its responsibility as a contributor to regional stability through diplomacy, advisory missions, financial gifts, and a more robust foreign policy.

Domestic Reforms in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia has undertaken a series of reform measures in education, citizen participation, security, and economic policy. These reforms have resulted in a rising tide of nationalist sentiment and stability in the country.

Examples of Progressiveness, Security, and Stability:
In September, King Abdullah confirmed the right of women to vote, be elected, and be appointed to the Shura Council. The Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) with three million pilgrims from around the world was successfully managed without any incidents, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s security capabilities. The smooth succession process with the passing of Crown Prince Sultan and the appointment of Crown Prince Naif ensures stability and continuity of reforms.

Crown Prince Naif’s Stance on Reforms:
Crown Prince Naif is a staunch advocate for progress and will continue the reforms initiated by King Abdullah. Reforms in Saudi Arabia reflect the consensus of its leadership and are not dependent on individual whims.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia remains a stable and consistent leader in the Arab and Muslim worlds amid regional storms. The country is committed to helping other nations navigate challenges and achieve stability. Saudi Arabia’s efforts against terrorism, sanctions against Iran, support for Palestinian independence, and pursuit of energy interdependence will contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.

Key Developments in the Saudi Economy:
Saudi Arabia is experiencing steady economic growth. The country is implementing programs to equip its citizens with job skills and education. These initiatives aim to reduce the number of foreign workers and create more employment opportunities for Saudis.

Educational Expansion:
Saudi Arabia has expanded its educational programs for both men and women. The goal is to meet the challenges posed by the country’s growing population. A significant portion of the population is under the age of 35.

Foreign Workers and Job Creation:
Saudi Arabia currently has a large number of foreign workers (8 million). This situation has created an anomaly, as there are Saudis without jobs despite the presence of foreign workers. The country aims to address this issue and create more job opportunities for its citizens.

Visa Assistance for Rosemary Seguero:
Dr. Naila Sohail, a Saudi embassy official, expressed her willingness to help Rosemary Seguero obtain a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. This demonstrates the country’s openness to welcoming international visitors.

Iran’s Continued Intervention:
Iran’s persistent interventions in the region have prompted Saudi Arabia to seek international action.

Tougher Response:
Saudi Arabia aims to continually pressure the international community to take action against Iran’s activities. The kingdom hopes to bring perpetrators of recent plots against Saudi interests to justice.

Potential Measures:
Saudi Arabia may pursue the issue through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and possibly the United Nations if Iran does not respond. Exposing Iranian plots publicly is seen as a means of applying pressure on Iran.

Response to Additional Threats:
Saudi Arabia will work closely with GCC countries, Western allies, and the Arab world to confront threats from Iran. The specific actions to be taken are not disclosed, but the kingdom intends to bring these threats to international attention.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to Alleged Iranian Plot:
Turki al-Faisal states that those responsible for the alleged Iranian plot against the Saudi ambassador should be brought to justice.

King Abdullah’s Leadership:
King Abdullah has steered the country well for over 15 years, initiating various reforms.

National Dialogue:
King Abdullah introduced the National Dialogue, engaging with the people and discussing issues of concern. Topics like women’s rights, minority participation, and terrorism have been addressed.

Economic Reforms:
Establishment of a Higher Economic Council to coordinate economic agencies. The economy has shown positive progress under this bureaucratic organization.

Rehabilitation Program for Extremists:
A six-year-old program focuses on rehabilitating arrested extremists. Includes psychological profiling, reconnecting with families, and challenging ideology. Recidivism rates vary, but the program is continuously reviewed and improved.

King Abdullah’s Achievements:
King Abdullah City for Technology and Science (KAUST): A postgraduate research university with a $10 billion endowment. Independent board of trustees and international student body. Coeducational and dedicated to research for humanity. International Dialogue of Religions and Cultures: King Abdullah called for dialogue among Muslim leaders in Mecca. He aimed to engage with non-Muslims and promote interfaith understanding. A conference was held in Madrid to further this initiative.

Iran Nuclear Ambitions and Military Attack:
Saudi Arabia strongly opposes military action against Iran. Military attacks can be successful but leave behind negative consequences. An attack on Iran would result in severe human losses, retaliation, and global consequences. It would also strengthen Iran’s resolve to produce an atomic bomb and delay rather than end its nuclear program.

Syria Conflict and Arab League Action:
Turki al-Faisal, being a private citizen, is not aware of specific government plans for Syria. He awaits the Arab League’s next steps, considering the precedent set in Libya. The Arab League has given Syria a short timeframe to comply with reconciliation efforts. Further action might be taken, but it’s uncertain whether it will follow Libya’s path of intervention.

Saudi-U.S. Relationship and Palestine:
Saudi Arabia and the United States have agreed to disagree on the issue of Palestine. In the past, Saudi Arabia imposed an oil embargo on the U.S. due to lack of progress on Palestine. The issue of Palestine is deeply rooted in Muslim sentiment, and U.S. actions have caused disappointment and anger. President Obama’s call for a two-state solution and subsequent veto of Palestinian statehood added to the frustration.

Saudi Regime’s Legitimacy and Reforms:
Turki al-Faisal defends Saudi Arabia’s legitimacy as an active participant in international organizations and a contributor to global welfare. He acknowledges challenges within the country and emphasizes gradual reform through evolution rather than revolution. He highlights women’s rights advancements, including voting rights and participation in elections and the Shura Council.

Saudi Arabia’s Economy and Resource Diversification:
The kingdom recognizes the depletion of its oil resources and is investing in its people’s skills and education. Saudi Arabia is also exploring alternative natural resources, such as mining and phosphates, to diversify its economy. The country is developing infrastructure to support economic growth beyond oil revenues.

Saudi Arabia’s Treaty Obligations:
Saudi Arabia is bound by treaty obligations to provide assistance to sister countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) when needed.

GCC’s Economic and Military Support to Bahrain:
When troubles began in Bahrain in February, the Kingdom of Bahrain requested economic support from the GCC. The GCC responded by meeting in Abu Dhabi and initiating a program of $10 billion in aid for over 10 years to Bahrain. Subsequently, Bahrain requested military support to guard its infrastructure facilities.

GCC Forces’ Deployment in Bahrain:
GCC forces were deployed to Bahrain with strict orders to stay within the infrastructure facilities, including the airport, seaport, oil refinery, and business district. The GCC forces were not involved in demonstration quelling, arrests, or imprisonment of Bahraini citizens.

King of Jordan’s Stance on President Assad:
King of Jordan became the first Arab leader to publicly state that President Assad had lost his legitimacy and should step down.

Personal View on President Assad’s Legitimacy:
The speaker did not provide a personal view on President Assad’s legitimacy or whether other Arab leaders should make similar statements.

Assad’s Lack of Response and His Inevitable Downfall:
Turki al-Faisal discusses the lack of response from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to efforts to end the fighting in Syria. He believes that Assad’s refusal to accept these efforts indicates his unwillingness to step down. Al-Faisal believes that Assad’s actions will eventually lead to his downfall due to the growing popular opposition and the ongoing killings.

Preservation of Ottoman Architecture in Kaaba:
Al-Faisal confirms that there are no plans to remove or alter the Ottoman architecture in the Kaaba, including the columns. The recent expansion of the mosque ensured the preservation of not only the Ottoman but also the previous Abbasid architecture within the holy mosque.

Iran’s Influence in Iraq and Its Impact on Governance:
Al-Faisal highlights Iran’s pervasive influence in Iraq, which prevents the Iraqi government from being all-inclusive. He mentions the formation of the Iraqi government after elections, where the party with the most votes was sidelined due to Iranian pressure on Shia parties. This incident illustrates the extent of Iran’s influence in various sectors, including the religious establishment, government services, commerce, and others.

Energy Independence and Solar Development:
Al-Faisal discusses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to energy independence and the development of alternative energy sources. He mentions the establishment of the King Abdullah City for Alternative and Nuclear Energy, which focuses on developing solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Al-Faisal emphasizes the abundance of solar energy in Saudi Arabia and the recent signing of a contract to set up the first water desalination plant using solar energy. He acknowledges the increasing domestic consumption of oil in the Kingdom and the need to develop alternative sources to maintain exports to meet global demand, particularly in Asia.