- US President George W. Bush called newly-appointed Saudi King Abdullah on Monday to congratulate him on assuming the throne and offered condolences over the death of King Fahd, the White House said.

"The president called King Abdullah to extend our condolences on the passing of King Fahd. The president also offered his congratulations to King Abdullah on assuming the throne," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

King Fahd died early Monday at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, where he was admitted due to acute pneumonia in May.

Abdullah, 81, a half brother of Fahd, is said to have been a strong ally of the United States.

Source: Xinhua