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(recast) Obama to visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday

Xinhua, January 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

U.S. President Barack Obama will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday following the death of King Abdullah, the White House said on Saturday.

Obama, on his way to India for a visit, called new Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to personally offer his sympathies over King Abdullah's death on Friday, the White House said in a statement.

It said King Salman welcomed the news that Obama and his wife Michelle will travel to Riyadh, Saudi's capital, to offer their condolences.

Obama had issued a statement praising King Abdullah, who died on Friday, for his efforts to promote peace in the region and for his "steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.- Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond."

The bilateral relationship has been strained over Washington's approach to the Syrian conflict and other issues.

A visit to the Taj Mahal on Tuesday at the end of Obama's Indian visit has been canceled to accommodate his travel to Riyadh. Endite