I am delighted to welcome you on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On this special day, we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom by the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The longstanding relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands date back to many years ago. We value the close ties we share with each other, and we hope they will promote to higher levels, and last in the future.

 Despite the fact that we are passing through difficult times, we all have to overcome such difficulties by relying on the wisdom of the people of our two friendly nations. I am sure of that.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Let me focus in my speech on four issues.

I would like to say that we respect human rights and that we are committed to International Conventions which we signed. But we will not compromise, as the rest of the world, when it comes to our own national security and internal unity. What is really surprising is that the imprisonment of a Saudi citizen in Saudi Arabia has called for demonstrations weekly in front of our Embassy in The Hague, whereas the killing, displacement of people from their homes, the confiscation of lands and the imprisonment of ten thousands of people, including children and women, is a moot point.

We appreciate freedom of speech, but this freedom doesn’t mean insulting religion, culture and national symbols. Then, it is no longer a freedom of expression. In this regard, I would like to say use freedom of speech and do not abuse it.

The Kingdom has hosted 2.5 million Syrians, including 100.000 students at primary and secondary education and 7000 students at universities.

The Kingdom was among the first countries which opened its doors to the Syrian people since the crisis erupted. The Kingdom gives also assistance to the several clinics in various Syrian refugee camps in neighboring countries.

It is worth-mentioning that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had donated 5% of its gross domestic product during the last 25 years. This percentage exceeds the 0.07% of GDP UN target for the Official Development Assistance.

We feel a deep sorrow about the two tragic incidents which occurred in the holy places recently. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the killed pilgrims and we hope a quick recovery to the injured ones. Saudi committees are investigating this tragic event and the results will be provide at due time.

 I affirm the capacity of the Kingdom to maintain the security and safety of pilgrims at all time. It takes all efforts and utilizes all its means to facilitate pilgrimage, and it will never relinquish its sovereignty over the Holy places in Mecca and Medina.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Mr.  Fahad Al-Abdulkareem, managing-director of ARAMCO Overseas and his colleagues for their full cooperation and participation in this event.

Thank you once again for coming and indulge yourselves in some of the Saudi Arabian cuisine we have prepared for you.