Kadhimi’s visit to Saudi postponed as king hospitalized

RIYADH

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s Monday visit to Saudi Arabia has been postponed after King Salman was hospitalized, the Saudi foreign minister said.

“In recognition of the importance of the visit and keenness to make it a success, our wise leadership in coordination with our brothers in Iraq decided to postpone the visit until after King Salman leaves hospital," Faisal bin Farhan wrote on Twitter.

Al-Kadhimi’s office also confirmed the visit's postponement to a later date.

The Iraqi premier was scheduled to visit the kingdom as well as Iran for talks on bilateral relations and economic issues.

Earlier in the day, the Saudi royal court said King Salman, 84, was hospitalized for some medical tests. It did not disclose any further details.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara