By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent his contratulations to Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on his appointment as Saudi crown prince and being named deputy prime minister and minister of defence.
In his felicitation cable, Sheikh Khalifa wished Prince Salman success in his mission as a supporter to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, so as to pursue development and renaissance in Saudi Arabia.
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent greetings to Prince Salman.
King Abdullah selected Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz as the new crown prince and appointed him deputy premier and minister of defence while Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz was made the interior minister.
The appointments followed former crown prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s death Saturday. The 78-year-old was also deputy prime minister and interior minister of the country.