Half-Brother, Salman bin Addulaziz Becomes King
Abduallah bin Abdulaziz, King of Saudi Arabia, has died at the age of 90. After weeks of speculation about his ailing health, royal officials announced that the king had died in the early hours of Friday.
Abdullah had ruled the country since 2005 and was said to be suffering from a lung infection.
He is to be succeeded by his 79-year-old half-brother, Salman bin Abdulaziz who has promised to “maintain the same policies.”
“We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” he said in a speech broadcast on state television.
World leaders have paid tribute at the news of his death. US President Barack Obama said, “As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond.”
Whilst Prime Minister David Cameron said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abd Al Aziz Al Saud.
“He will be remembered for his long years of service to the Kingdom, for his commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Saudi Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom at this sad time.
“I sincerely hope that the long and deep ties between our two Kingdoms will continue and that we can continue to work together to strengthen peace and prosperity in the world.”
