Saudi King Salman, 88, will be treated for lung inflammation at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, the state news agency reported on Sunday, following medical tests earlier in the day. The king will receive antibiotics until the inflammation subsides.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman postponed his visit to Japan, originally set to begin Monday, due to his father’s health condition. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the postponement at a news conference in Tokyo, explaining that the Saudi government had informed them of the situation.
Earlier reports indicated that King Salman had undergone medical tests at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace for “high temperature and joint pain.” This follows his last hospital visit in April for a routine checkup.
King Salman, who became the ruler of Saudi Arabia in 2015, was the crown prince and deputy premier for over two years prior. His health issue coincided with Crown Prince Mohammed’s meeting with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Saudi Arabia to discuss a strategic agreement between Washington and Riyadh.
The Saudi embassy in Japan has not yet commented on the crown prince’s canceled visit, which was to include meetings with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida from May 20-23.
