The cause of al-Faisal’s death has not been revealed, though the Saudi information ministry said an official statement on the matter would be released later Thursday.
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He was replaced by Adel Al Jubeir, the then ambassador to Washington, after having served the kingdom for 40 years.
The prince had undergone multiple surgeries in recent years for his back, which left him walking with a cane, and other ailments.
“All the neighbourhood, if you will, will be at peace with Israel, will recognise their right to exist”.
The tall, stately Saud was a fixture in Mideast diplomacy since he was appointed to his post in 1975.
Salman was himself crowned as the king of Saudi Arabia on January 23, following the death of his half brother, King Abdullah, at the age of 90.
Prince Saud, a son of King Faisal, played an important role in shaping the country’s response to the crises affecting the Middle East. He was replaced by Crown Prince Salman.
Prince Saud played a key role in patching ties with the United States which were strained by the September 11, 2001 attacks, in which 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
But the Saudi minister insisted that “if there are any hostile actions, they are coming from Iran and not Saudi Arabia”.
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A Saudi-led Arab coalition in March began bombing Iran-backed Shiite rebels in Yemen.
