Saudi King makes son deputy Foreign Minister

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz appointed his son Abdul Aziz to the post of deputy foreign minister yesterday, in a move that appears to strengthen the king's hand in Saudi foreign policy.

"The king appoints Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz as deputy foreign minister with the rank of minister," the official SPA news agency quoted a royal decree as saying.

The state news agency said the move was part of a series of appointments made by the king, who is in his 80s. King Abdullah and his brother Crown Prince Sultan, the country's defence minister who is also in his 80s, and have spent time abroad to treat health problems in recent years.

Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal has occupied the post since 1975.

Friday's appointment places the king's son in pole position to take over the portfolio, which some analysts had previously speculated could go to Prince Saud's brother Turki, former Saudi intelligence chief.

Veteran Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal has faced health problems, in his case with his neck and back.

Prince Abdul Aziz has served as his father's special envoy for important regional issues, especially relations with Syria.

Abdullah appointed his son Mutib as head of the National Guard in 2010.