RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has left for abroad on special leave and Crown Prince Salman has temporarily taken charge of running the kingdom's affairs, the royal court said today.
“We deputize, according to our order, Crown Prince Salman to manage state affairs and oversee the interests of the people during our absence from the kingdom,” said the royal court in statement carried by Saudi Press Agency.
The kIng's holiday comes two weeks after he hosted a summit conference for Muslim countries in Makkah, where he stood to welcome each arriving leader.
King Abdullah had operations for a back complaint in 2010 and 2011.
Crown Prince Salman, who is concurrently the deputy premier and defense minister, was a long-time governor of Riyadh province.
He became next in line to the throne after the deaths of Crown Princes Sultan last October and Naif last June.
— With a Reuters report
