Saudi king names son as US envoy as ties boosted with Trump

FILE -- In this Wednesday, April 5, 2017 file photo, released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Saudi King Salman, right, and Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wave as they leave the hall after talks with the British prime minister, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. King Salman issued a decree late Saturday, April 22, 2017, reinstating public sector perks after a drop in oil prices forced the kingdom to curb big-ticket spending and implement sensitive austerity measures. The decree states that King Salman has reinstated all allowances, privileges and financial premiums given to civil and military officials. (Saudi Press Agency via AP, File) FILE -- In this Wednesday, April 5, 2017 file photo, released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Saudi King Salman, right, and Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wave as they leave the hall after talks with the British prime minister, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. King Salman issued a decree late Saturday, April 22, 2017, reinstating public sector perks after a drop in oil prices forced the kingdom to curb big-ticket spending and implement sensitive austerity measures. The decree states that King Salman has reinstated all allowances, privileges and financial premiums given to civil and military officials. (Saudi Press Agency via AP, File)

By Associated Press April 23, 2017 3 min read

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued a decree late Saturday naming one of his sons, an air force pilot who has taken part in coalition strikes against the Islamic State group, as the kingdom’s new ambassador to the U.S.

The appointment of Prince Khaled bin Salman to Washington signals the kingdom’s eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties under President Donald Trump. As the king’s son, the prince has a direct line to the Saudi monarch.

Saudi Arabia is the world’s third largest defense spender. Prince Khaled’s appointment positions him as an influential broker in deals with U.S. manufacturers.

Saudi-U.S. relations had cooled under the Obama administration after Washington pursued a nuclear accord with Shiite-ruled Iran that the Sunni-ruled kingdom strongly opposed. Saudi Arabia and Iran are regional rivals, and back opposing sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

Relations with the Riyadh have improved since Trump took office. King Salman dispatched his most powerful son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also defense minister, to meet Trump at the White House last month. Saudi Arabia was quick to praise Trump’s missile strike on a Syrian military base in response to an apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians.