Saudi King Salman appoints Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as new crown prince

[RIYADH] Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday sacked his younger half brother as crown prince and appointed his nephew, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as the new heir apparent, state television said.

He also appointed his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as deputy crown prince, and replaced veteran foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal with the kingdom's Washington ambassador Adel al-Jubeir.

In a decree published by state media, King Salman said he was following in the footsteps of his late brother, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, in seeking the most suitable candidate for the top jobs in the world's top oil exporter.

King Salman, who ascended the throne upon the death of King Abdullah in January, also former labour Minister Adel Fakieh as new economy minister Mufrej al-Haqbani as new labour minister.

Ahmed al-Sweilem was appointed as new head of the royal court, replacing Prince Mohammed bin Salman while Khalid al-Falih was appointed health minister and chairman of state-owned ARAMCO alongside the position of health minister.

REUTERS