US President Barack Obama is among those paying tribute to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who has died. He had been in hospital for several weeks
ADVERTISEMENTUS President Barack Obama is among those paying tribute to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who has died.
He had been in hospital for several weeks suffering from pneumonia.
Abdullah came to the throne in 2005 and is thought to have been around 90-years-old.
His brother Salman will succeed him, according to a royal court statement carried by state television.
In a statement, 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.”
The future of those relations are now at stake as Salman takes up his appointment.
He becomes King at a time of unprecedented turmoil in the Middle East region and his role in politics will be closely watched.