Saudi King Salman Chairs Cabinet Meeting Post Decree

King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia chaired a cabinet meeting for the first time since issuing a decree allowing cabinet sessions to convene in the absence of the king or crown prince. The 88-year-old king, who received medical treatment earlier this year, resumes his duties amid ongoing health concerns.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, as reported by state media. This marks his first participation since issuing a royal decree on August 8, which allows the cabinet to convene even if the king, crown prince, or their deputies are absent.

On August 13, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired the cabinet session, following the new decree's guidelines. The 88-year-old king, who is at the helm of the world's top oil exporter and a crucial U.S. ally in the Middle East, received medical treatment for lung inflammation back in May.

Amid these health concerns, Prince Mohammed had earlier postponed an official visit to Japan. The August 8 decree stipulates that in the absence of the king or his direct successors, the cabinet meeting would be chaired by the eldest member who is a descendant of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of the Saudi state.