Addressing the gathering, Minister Al-Naimi said "this is indeed a great occasion, one in which the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ibn Abdulaziz, honors us by attending this ceremony and inaugurating this significant edifice of science; one more addition to our dear country’s numerous edifices of science, knowledge, research and studies, which are growing, one day after another, not only in number but also in the amount of giving, all under the support and auspices of a forward-thinking leadership always keen to take the initiative in all that serves the Kingdom and its people". He said energy is one of the most important cornerstones of nations’ development, economic growth and prosperity. No nation can grow without the various energy sources, mainly oil and gas, noting that the the Kingdom, endowed with huge oil and gas resources, owns about 20% of the world’s known oil reserves and ranks first globally in oil production and export and fourth in natural gas reserves. Besides, it is one of the world’s major countries in manufacturing and exporting petroleum products, petrochemicals, fertilizers, etc. Such a position could never have been attained if it was not for clear government policies, dedicated officials, and the creative, well-educated, highly productive and dedicated capacities of the citizens working in such mega facilities. --More 19:10 LOCAL TIME 16:10 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w