Addressing the gathering, host Minister and Chairman of the event's Higher Steering Committee Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz welcomed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and paid tribute to late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who initiated the idea of the festival 32 years ago. He conveyed the pride of the National Guard ministry personnel who as pleased to yearly produce a new copy of this innovative cultural event and the ministry's servicemen who are defending the country at the southern border together with their country mates of the armed forces. He also thanked the official guests for coming and participants for enriching the 30th festival. He expressed pleasure of choosing Germany as the guest of honor of the festival and welcomed the German delegation, led by Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, saying that Germany's participation gives an important flavor and significance to this year's celebration. He also paid tribute to the festival's cultural personality Dr. Abuabdulrahman bin Aqeel Al-Dhahiri who was awarded King Abdulaziz medal class I in recognition of his contribution to the literal and innovative activities in the Kingdom. In conclusion, he pledged that he is leading the national guard to protect the country's Arab and Islamic identity, legacy, culture and genuineness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the monarch's prudent instructions and care, wishing the king long life and the country steady progress and prosperity. --More 18:26 LOCAL TIME 15:26 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w