Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Dies At 90

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - the King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from 2005 to 2015, ascended to the throne on 1 August 2005 upon the death of his half-brother, King Fahd, has been reported dead, royal officials announced weeks after he was admitted to hospital, He was said to be aged 90, and has been suffering from a lung infection. A statement early on Friday said his 79-year-old half brother, Salman, had become king.

US President Barack Obama expressed his personal sympathies and those of the American people, on the death of King Abdullah. "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," he said.

Vice-President Joe Biden tweeted that he would lead a delegation to Riyadh to pay respects.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said Abdullah would be remembered for his "commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths".