Saudi King Salman Ill sick; Crown Prince Mohammed Steps Up

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz is being treated for lung inflammation with antibiotics at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Earlier on Sunday, SPA reported that the 88-year-old king experienced a high fever and joint pain, leading to medical tests at the Royal Clinics. This follows his hospital admission and release in April after a routine checkup.

Since 2015, King Salman has led Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, but most daily affairs are managed by his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

Crown Prince Mohammed was set to make a rare trip to Japan this week, where he was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida from May 20 to May 23, according to the Japanese government. On Sunday, MBS met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss the conflict in Gaza and the “nearly final version” of strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia and the US, as reported by SPA.

These talks between MBS and Sullivan are part of broader efforts to establish a historic pact, which would provide Saudi Arabia with security guarantees and potentially establish diplomatic ties with Israel, according to Bloomberg. This agreement would significantly impact the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States and influence Middle Eastern geopolitics.

In addition to meeting with US officials, Crown Prince Mohammed recently engaged with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, during the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain. These interactions highlight MBS’s active role in regional diplomacy and efforts to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Middle East.

King Salman’s health and Crown Prince Mohammed’s diplomatic activities are crucial for Saudi Arabia. While King Salman undergoes medical care, MBS continues to ensure the stability of leadership and the execution of Saudi Arabia’s strategic policies, navigating complex regional and international relations.

Source: https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2514746/saudi-arabia

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