Saudi Arabia has named Abdullah its new monarch to succeed King Fahd who has died after guiding the world's largest oil exporter through 23 turbulent years.
Saudi officials said King Abdullah, who is at least 80 and has run most of the kingdom's affairs since his half brother suffered a stroke in 1995, would maintain its close alliance with the West.
As world leaders offered their condolences Monday to King Fahd, U.S. President George W. Bush promised a close partnership with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdullah, whom Bush referred to as "my friend."
U.S. officials said Fahd's death would have little effect on U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia because the former Crown Prince Abdullah has been the de facto ruler for years and has close ties to Bush and his family
Source:cnn news
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/08/01/fahd.obit/index.html
