President Obama has released a heartfelt statement after King Abdullah, ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, passed away early Friday. After being hospitalized in Riyadh for pneumonia, King Abdullah died at approximately 1 AM local time at the age of 90.
Rumors have circulated about the late king's health for years now, as many have assumed the beloved ruler's state to be declining due to a lack of public appearances.
King Abdullah has ruled Saudi Arabia for nearly a decade, taking over the throne from predecessor and brother King Fahd after his death in 2005.
According to Saudi state TV, King Salman, a half-brother to both prior kings, will become the country's new ruler.
World leaders have expressed their condolences in the form of public statements honoring the legacy of the late king, including President Obama.
"It is with deep respect that I express my personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people to the family of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and to the people of Saudi Arabia," expressed the President.
The President explained, "King Abdullah's life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations. He took bold steps in advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, an endeavor that will outlive him as an enduring contribution to the search for peace in the region. At home, King Abdullah's vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world."
President Barack Obama also heralded the late King Abdullah's vision in terms of the countries' bilateral relations. "As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I always valued King Abdullah's perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship," expressed the statement.
The American president added, "As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond."
"The closeness and strength of the partnership between our two countries is part of King Abdullah's legacy. May God grant him peace," respectfully concluded Obama as he celebrated the past decade of strong cooperation between the powerful countries.
King Abdullah's death comes at an unsettling and sensitive time in the Middle East, as the nation of Saudi Arabic - as well as the surrounding region - struggles to confront civil unrest, terrorist violence, and a faltering oil market in an ever-unpredictable world.
