Saudi Arabia Announces New Crown Prince

WASHINGTON, Oct.  28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree on Thursday appointing Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz as Crown Prince and Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior.

Prior to the announcement, King Abdullah held a meeting with the Allegiance-Pledge Commission, which was established as part of a new law of succession announced in 2006 to formalize the royal succession and to ensure a smooth transfer of power.

Prince Nayef began his political career as Deputy Governor, and later Governor, of Riyadh Province during the lifetime of his father, King Abdulaziz. Prince Nayef was appointed Deputy Minister of Interior in 1970, and then in 1974, he became Deputy Minister of Interior with the rank of Minister. In 1975, Prince Nayef was appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs, and, later in the same year, he was named Minister of Interior, a position he will continue to serve. In 2009, King Abdullah appointed Prince Nayef Second Deputy Premier.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia