(MENAFN- Arab News) Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman is well known for his magnanimity philanthropy and service to mankind.
During the first 100 days he issued more than 60 royal decrees reshuffled the Cabinet two times to infuse new blood and promoted highly qualified hands to the top decision-making body.
King Salman is an experienced administrator and statesman whose life is filled with achievements and who has made remarkable contributions to the Kingdom's progress further enhancing its image among other countries.
As governor of Riyadh and crown prince Salman established close relations with major foreign allies including the United States France the UK and Egypt as well as countries like China Japan India Pakistan Germany and Spain.
During the past 60 years King Salman held several important positions in the government being the governor of Riyadh minister of defense and crown prince and deputy premier.
In recognition of his services UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: 'King Salman has accomplished in 10 days tasks that new leaders usually took 100 days.' It is a tribute which portrayed his ability to initiate quick decisions for the betterment of the nation.
The king nullified 12 specialized committees and councils including the National Security Council and replaced them with two high powered bodies: the Council of Political and Security Affairs and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. He also allocated SR110 billion to boost service facilities.
Soon after becoming king he appointed his deputies heralding a smooth transition of power in the country a move that has been widely acclaimed by world leaders as well as political analysts.
King Salman also ordered payment of a two-month salary bonus to retirees government employees social insurance beneficiaries and foreign scholarship students. He announced that the government would continue its foreign scholarship program which has been instrumental in educating thousands of highly qualified Saudis required by public and private institutions.
Within six days of his ascent to the throne King Salman issued 34 royal decrees which included appointments of new ministers and officials.
Last week he issued another set of royal decrees to reorganize his administration and appointed Prince Mohammed bin Naif as the new crown prince in place of Prince Muqrin and Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the deputy crown prince in addition to his portfolio as defense minister.
Political observers have commended King Salman for appointing King Abdulaziz's grandsons as crown prince and deputy crown prince to ensure continuity of political stability and strengthen the administration with young and capable leaders.
Saudi analysts commended the conciliatory and diplomatic nature of the new king. As the result of his long tenure as governor of Riyadh he developed relations with Arab and international leaders. They believe King Salman's rule will witness better relations with foreign countries.
Prince Mohammed bin Naif has won international applause for his leading role in crushing Al-Qaeda terrorists while Prince Mohammed bin Salman as defense minister proved his leadership during Decisive Storm.
King Salman has stated that Saudi Arabia will not accept any threat from foreign forces. He voiced the Kingdom's firm support to the legitimate Yemeni government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi against Houthi rebels. The Saudi-led coalition destroyed the Houthi's military capabilities and their arms depots preventing the militia's threat to the Kingdom's security.
The 11-member coalition was instrumental in preventing Iran's expansionist ambitions in the region. The coalition launched Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen to provide relief to Yemenis affected by Houthi atrocities. King Salman ordered relief supplies worth $274 million to the Yemenis.
After becoming crown prince on June 18 2012 Salman visited a number of countries including China Japan India Pakistan France and Egypt. He met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo and told him that Riyadh is committed to further strengthening bilateral ties with Tokyo.
King Salman has reiterated the Kingdom's opposition to terrorism. 'Saudi Arabia realized the danger posed by terrorism to the international community from early on' he told French leaders.
'We hope that peace-loving countries will swiftly contribute to strengthening the UN counterterrorism center to become a major pillar of international cooperation to combat terrorism which threatens global security and stability' he said.
During his visit to Beijing King Salman held wide-ranging talks with high-ranking Chinese officials on expanding bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues. His visit to India marked the first high-level political visit from Saudi Arabia to India after the 2006 landmark trip by King Abdullah.
Born on December 31 1935 King Salman had his education at the School of Princes in Riyadh which was established by his father King Abdulaziz. He studied religion and modern sciences.
King Salman was appointed acting governor of Riyadh on March 17 1954 when he was just 19 years old. He was named the governor of the Riyadh region on April 18 1955 with the rank of minister.
During his 56-year tenure as governor Riyadh Province achieved tremendous progress. He contributed to the development of Riyadh from a mid-sized town into a major urban metropolis. He attracted tourism capital projects and foreign investment to the Kingdom.
On November 5 2011 Salman was appointed minister of defense in place of the late Prince Sultan. Since his appointment King Salman visited both the US and the United Kingdom where he met with US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
King Salman is a strong advocate of philanthropy in poor Muslim nations such as Somalia Sudan Bangladesh Afghanistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina. He is regarded as intelligent and hardworking and a trusted mediator in settling conflicts. His administration of Riyadh Province was corruption free. He established strong relations with tribal leaders Islamic scholars intellectuals and the media.