Middle-East

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to undergo tests due to high fever, joint pains

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz gives a virtual speech during an opening session of the 15th annual G20 Leaders' Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 21, 2020. (Photo: Bandar Algaloud/Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

By Reuters | Sunday, May 19, 2024

The examinations will be conducted at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz will undergo medical tests on Sunday due to "high temperature and joint pain", state news agency SPA reported.

The examinations will be conducted at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. The king, 88, was last admitted to hospital in April for a routine checkup, state TV reported then.

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“The treating medical team decided to conduct some examinations to diagnose his health condition and to check on his health,” the statement said.

It did not elaborate further.

King Salman, the custodian of Islam's holiest sites, became ruler of the world's top oil exporter in 2015 after spending more than two and a half years as the crown prince and deputy premier.

The crown prince met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday to discuss the war in Gaza and the “nearly final version” of draft strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia and the US, SPA said.

In 2020, King Salman underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder.

He was also admitted to hospital in March 2022 to undergo what state media described as "successful medical tests" and to change the battery of his pacemaker.

King Salman served as Riyadh governor for decades and also as defence minister.

His reign as king has been marked by ambitious social and economic reforms largely managed by his son, who is trying to position Saudi Arabia for an eventual post-oil future.