King Abdullah congratulates Saudi's Mohammed bin Salman on his new royal appointment

Jordan

Published: 2017-06-21 14:43

Last Updated: 2024-03-26 19:51


The Saudi Prince is next in line to the throne.
The Saudi Prince is next in line to the throne.

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday congratulated Prince Mohammed bin Salman on being appointed Saudi’s new crown prince.

During a telephone call with the future monarch, King Abdullah wished him success in serving his country under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

King Abdullah also stressed the importance of the two countries’ “historic and brotherly” relationship, hoping that it will go from strength to strength.

Mohammed bin Salman was abruptly announced next in line to the throne by his father, King Salman, on Wednesday.

According to a royal decree issued by the official Saudi Press Agency, Mohammed bin Salman, 31, was also named deputy prime minister, and maintains his post as minister of defence.

In a conservative kingdom used to ageing leaders, the rise of the young prince symbolises the hopes of a youthful local population, more than half of which is under 25.