On 23 September, His Highness Prince Jalawi bin Turki Al Saud hosted an elegant reception to celebrate the 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attended by members of the Dutch government, ambassadors from around the world, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international organizations, distinguished members of society, Saudi nationals, and friends of Saudi Arabia, as well as leaders from the cultural, artistic, business, and scientific sectors.
Traditional Saudi hospitality was evident at every stage of the evening, creating a warm and gracious atmosphere that reflected the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
In his address, His Highness Prince Jalawi bin Turki Al Saud welcomed the guests and emphasized the ongoing journey of unity and development that began with the unification of the Kingdom by the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud. He highlighted the nation’s continued progress under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
His Highness noted that the National Day serves as a time to renew loyalty, pride, and belonging, reaffirming commitment to national development and global engagement under wise leadership. He emphasized the Kingdom’s far-reaching transformation driven by Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and promote sustainable development.
The Prince also highlighted the historic and growing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, dating back to 1872 with the opening of the Dutch consulate in Jeddah and the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1930. Today, cooperation spans key sectors including economy, culture, energy, education, technology, innovation, and food security.
At the international level, His Highness reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to global peace and stability. He referred to the High-Level International Conference hosted by Saudi Arabia in July 2025 in partnership with France, which led to the New York Declaration—calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The declaration was endorsed by 142 UN member states.
His Highness reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm stance against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, citing its active role in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and its steadfast support for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes through institutions such as the International Court of Justice.
He also underscored the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting efforts to empower youth and women and to invest in technology and innovation. Initiatives such as the creation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the hosting of the Global AI Summit demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the digital economy.
In the fields of energy and environment, His Highness noted Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role through OPEC and major sustainability programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. These efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030, achieve net zero by 2060, and generate 50% of the Kingdom’s electricity from clean energy sources by 2030.
Following His Highness’s remarks, guests engaged in warm conversation while enjoying a lavish dinner showcasing the variety and richness of Saudi gastronomy—a vibrant blend of Bedouin roots, Middle Eastern influence, and regional flavors that delighted every palate.
