I will be back very soon: King Abdullah

Speaking to Al-Seyassah Arabic newspaper of Kuwait, King Abdullah expressed his delight over the strong relations between GCC states. He thanked world leaders for wishing him early recovery.

"I will return to the Kingdom very soon to be with my family, children and people and my brothers in the Gulf," said King Abdullah, who is convalescing in New York following a successful back surgery at the Presbyterian Hospital in the city. He left the hospital on Dec. 21.

Asked whether his meetings with world leaders during the recuperation period would affect his health, King Abdullah said: "I find enjoyment in work and feel relaxed when I work for my people who have vested upon me this great responsibility." The king has received at his residence French President Nicolas Sarkozy, former US President Bill Clinton, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

King Abdullah spoke about the messages of good wishes he received from different parts of the Arab and Islamic world, especially from GCC leaders. "These messages reflect their strong feelings toward me and I value them. They are a source of relief and comfort for me," the king said, while praying for peace and stability to prevail all over the world.

King Abdullah said he has been closely following developments in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. "I'm getting a lot of relief from this exercise and of course it improves my health. I would like to tell everybody that I'm in good condition and will return soon ... God willing very soon." He thanked all those who prayed for his quick recovery.

Speaking about the Kingdom's budget for 2011 that projected spending at SR580 billion, the king said the government would focus on implementing social infrastructure projects as well as developing industries to increase national products that would support the economy along with oil resources.

King Abdullah expected that Saudi Arabia's budgets for the coming years would be higher than this year's. "We should be thankful to God for His great blessings on this country ... Have a little patience ... Everybody will get his chance, God willing," the king told Saudis.

He emphasized that budget allocations would be made to tackle shortages in economic and social infrastructure facilities. "Our people will enjoy the resources of their country," he said, adding that he had instructed officials to implement a number of social infrastructure projects as quickly as possible. The 2011 budget has allocated SR150 billion for education and training, Kazinform refers to The Arab News.

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