Statement by the President on the Death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
It is with deep respect that I express my personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people to the family of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and to the people of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah’s life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations. He took bold steps in advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, an endeavor that will outlive him as an enduring contribution to the search for peace in the region. At home, King Abdullah’s vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world.
As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I always valued King Abdullah’s perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship. 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 U.S.-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond. The closeness and strength of the partnership between our two countries is part of King Abdullah’s legacy.
May God grant him peace.
More on the latest news about King Abdullah below
CAIRO, Jan 23 (Aswat Masriya) – Saudi King Abdullah passed away at the age of 91 early Friday after being hospitalised for weeks, reported Saudi state television.
The Saudi monarch’s brother Crown Prince Salman will be crowned king, state television reported.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stopped at Saudi Arabia on his way back from a visit to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates on Monday “to check on the king’s health.”
King Abdullah urged Egypt and Qatar to “consolidate relations between them” last December. Both countries embraced the calls, in a move which eased tension between Egypt and Qatar after over a year of strained relations since the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013.
