The king of Saudi Arabia, Salman Bin Abdulaziz, is suffering from lung inflammation for which he will receive treatment at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, a Reuters report quoting the State News agency said. The state-run Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday that the 88-year-old monarch had a high fever and joint pain. The king underwent medical tests at the Royal Clinics at Al Salam Palace.
Earlier this year in April, he was admitted and released from the hospital after having a routine checkup, as was reported by state TV.
King Salman has been leading Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, since 2015. His son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (commonly known as MBS), manages most daily affairs in the country.
The crown prince was scheduled to visit Japan this week, marking a rare trip outside the Middle East. During his visit from May 20 to May 23, he was expected to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, according to the Japanese government.
MBS met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday to discuss the Gaza conflict and the “nearly final version” of strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia and the United States, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). These agreements may include security guarantees for Saudi Arabia and outline a potential path for establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.
Prince Mohammed recently met with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, during the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.
