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RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah arrived Tuesday in New York for medical treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king delegated power to Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, on Monday prior to his departure for the US.
King Abdullah issued a royal decree mandating Prince Sultan to “administer the nation’s affairs†in his absence.
The king was greeted by Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal and a number of top officials after landing at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport, SPA said.
It was not immediately known where King Abdullah would be receiving treatment in the United States. A statement from the palace said only that he would be undergoing “medical tests.â€
In Washington, the State Department said Monday that it helped facilitate clearances for the king to come to the US for treatment.
“The king is a valued partner,†department spokesman P.J. Crowley said. “We wish him a speedy recovery.â€
Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said Monday the king suffered a slipped disc and that a blood clot was pressing on nerves in his back, causing him pain and so he was heading abroad for treatment.
“But I assure everyone that the king is in stable condition and enjoys good health and God willing will return in good health to lead this great nation,†Al-Rabeeah said.
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