Saudi king lauds son, avoids killing in major speech
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Monday gave his first major speech since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, expressing support for his son, the crown prince, and making no mention of allegations that the young royal ordered the killing.
The king voiced support for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the 32-year-old heir to the throne is focused on developing the capabilities of Saudi youth.
“The country is working tirelessly to create more jobs and training for Saudi youth,” Salman said. “The crown prince, chairman of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, has focused on developing human capabilities and preparing the new generation for future jobs.”
Saudi media reported Monday that the crown prince will attend the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires this month. It would be the first trip abroad for the crown prince after the Oct. 2 slaying of Khashoggi.
King Salman delivered his remarks before the country’s ministers, senior officials, military officers and clerics. Prince Mohammed was in attendance.
In the wake of Khashoggi’s killing inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, the 82-year-old monarch put Prince Mohammed in charge of overseeing the reorganization of intelligence services.
The king’s speech made no reference to that, but he did commend Saudi Arabia’s judiciary and public prosecution for their work in seeking justice in accordance with Islamic law.
He said the kingdom “takes pride in the blessed efforts” of the judiciary and public prosecution, adding that Saudi Arabia affirms its commitment to the application of Islamic law.