RIYADH: Saudi Arabias King Salman on Wednesday cited citizens and expatriates working to face the coronavirus pandemic in the Kingdom amid a global resurgence of COVID-19. In a yearend speech before the Shoura Council, he also cited soldiers in all sectors defending the Saudi Arabias southern border from external threats, particularly from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen who had been attacking the Kingdom with missiles and armed drones for the past few years. King Salman noted that in addition to undertaking bold measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia also continues to provide financial support for international health organizations and sister countries to fight the global scourge. He said Saudi Arabia will continue to play a leading role in the global campaign for world peace, in humanitarian efforts, and the campaign to address climate change. The Kingdoms position globally emanates from its Arab and Islamic position, he said. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA) The king commended Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he credited for the various visionary projects as part of the Kingdoms Vision 2030 program. He mentioned the start of the second phase of Vision 2030, the goal of which is to create a diversified economy. Saudi Arabias economy had been dependent on the oil industry, which had proven to be disadvantageous as the price of oil has continued to drop worldwide. To achieve the goals of Vision 2030, King Salman launched wide-ranging reforms, such as developing non-oil industries, allowing women to play a bigger role in nation-building, and developing the tourism industry and opening up the Kingdom to global tourists.