Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz is suffering from a lung inflammation and will be receiving antibiotic treatment at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The SPA reported earlier on Sunday that the 88-year-old monarch had a high fever and joint pain, prompting medical tests at the Royal Clinics at Al Salam Palace. This follows an incident in April when King Salman was admitted to and subsequently released from the hospital after a routine checkup, according to SPA.
King Salman has been at the helm of Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, since 2015. However, his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), handles most of the kingdom’s day-to-day affairs.
Crown Prince Mohammed was expected to embark on a rare international trip to Japan this week. He was scheduled to meet with 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 ongoing conflict in Gaza and the “nearly final version” of draft strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia and the US, as reported by SPA.
The discussions between MBS and Sullivan are part of broader efforts to solidify a historic pact that would provide Saudi Arabia with security guarantees and potentially pave the way for diplomatic ties with Israel, according to Bloomberg. Such a pact would be significant, reflecting deepening strategic relationships between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as potential shifts in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
In addition to his engagement with US officials, Crown Prince Mohammed recently met with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, on the sidelines of the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain. These meetings underscore MBS’s active role in regional diplomacy and his efforts to maintain and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Middle East.
The health of King Salman and the active diplomatic engagements of Crown Prince Mohammed are critical developments for Saudi Arabia. As King Salman receives medical care, the continuity of leadership and the execution of Saudi Arabia’s strategic policies rest with MBS, who continues to navigate complex regional and international relations.
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