It was with great sadness that citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia received yesterday the following statement from the Royal Court: "With deep sorrow and grief, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, announces the death of his brother, Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, who passed away on Saturday abroad."

It is difficult to express the loss to the Kingdom and to the world of the man who for nearly four decades as minister of the interior led the fight against terrorism in the nation and provided lessons in this regard to other nations of the world. In dealing with those misguided citizens following a deviant ideology, his policy was always to use an iron fist but also to open up dialogue with the hope of encouraging them to return to a straight path. When he took on the additional duties as Crown Prince last year, he said: “I feel a great responsibility toward my beloved country, men and women, which I bear under the directives of our leader King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. I pray to Allah to help me shoulder this task with faithfulness and sincerity.”

It was that sense of faithfulness and responsibility to the citizens of the Kingdom that led Prince Naif to dedicate his life to the prosperity and security of the nation. He stressed the importance of recognizing that every region of the country was home to all citizens and that there was no difference between one region and another. In his long career of service to his country, his statesmanship, wisdom and strong insight helped to ensure the stability and security of the nation.

Prince Naif was born in Taif. He received his education at “The Princes School” and at the hands of senior Ulema. In addition, he read widely in politics, diplomacy and security. In 1953, he became Governor of Riyadh. From 1954 to 1970, he served as Deputy Minister of the Interior. In 1970, King Faisal promoted him to Minister of State for Internal Affairs and in 1975 he became Minister of Interior. In March 2009, Prince Naif became Second Deputy Prime Minister, and last year a Royal Decree named him Crown Prince to succeed Prince Sultan who died in October 2011.

While Crown Prince Naif commended the efforts of security personnel who sacrificed their lives for preserving the security of their country, he at the same time expressed regrets over the participation of misguided persons in terrorist operations against their religion and homeland, affirming that the leadership of this country is capable of bringing them back to the right track.

Prince Naif stressed that the Kingdom now lives in security and safety, thanks to Allah Almighty and the determination of men. He said: “This country has been targeted for its religion, security, economy and stability. But trust in and reliance upon Allah Almighty, as well as the determination of men have enabled this homeland to stand against and defeat everyone who wishes evil for it. We live now in security and safety — thanks to Allah Almighty first, and then to the wise political leadership of this country and the unity of the people around their leadership.”

When great leaders die it is often many years before it becomes clear what legacy they have left their country. However, even today there is no question that in an uncertain and tumultuous world, the peace, security and personal safety enjoyed by all who reside in the Kingdom are the true gift to the nation of Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz.