WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama on Thursday sent condolences for the death of Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
In a statement carried by the Saudi TV early Friday, the Saudi Royal Court announced Abdullah’s death at the age of 90.
"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," Obama said in a statement.
He added that 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," Obama said. "At home, King Abdullah's vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world."
Obama also noted that he always valued King Abdullah’s perspective and appreciated his 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," he said.
Obama emphasized in his statement that the partnership between the two countries was part of King Abdullah’s legacy.
King Abdullah was recently admitted to hospital after suffering lung infection.
He was diagnosed with pneumonitis, making it necessary for doctors to supply him with a breathing tube.
Abdullah underwent back surgery in November 2012. Ever since, he has refrained from attending events outside the kingdom, including a recent high-profile Gulf summit held in the Qatari capital of Doha.
King Abdullah's Crown Prince Salman Muqrin has been declared the new monarch.
Salman, 79, is a half-brother of the deceased king. He was appointed crown prince in June 2012 after the death of the late crown prince, Naif.
Muqrin is also the youngest son of the founder of Saudi Arabia.
He previously served as second deputy prime minister and the king's special envoy.
