His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on being named crown prince and appointed deputy premier in the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wishing him success towards the good of the kingdom under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, and further wishing more development and growth to the deep fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries.
His Highness the Emir also sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman on naming Prince Mohamed crown prince and appointing him deputy premier, wishing the king health and well-being, while further wishing progress and prosperity to the fraternal people of Saudi Arabia under the king’s wise leadership, and more development and growth to the deep fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries.
His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and  HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent cables of congratulations to Prince Mohamed and King Salman.
Earlier in the day, King Salman made his son Mohamed bin Salman next in line to the throne , handing the 31-year-old sweeping powers. Mohamed bin Salman replaces his cousin, Prince Mohamed bin Nayef, a veteran security chief who led the Saudi campaign against Islamic State and Al Qaeda.
His appointment may make Saudi policy more hawkish , analysts say.
US President Donald Trump telephoned Mohamed bin Salman to congratulate him on his elevation and the two leaders  discussed , among other things how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar, the White House said in a statement, adding they also discussed efforts to achieve a lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
A senior US official said Washington had no advance warning of the prince’s promotion but could see it coming.
He was appointed crown  prince and deputy prime minister by royal decree, but he retains the defence portfolio and still controls oil and economic policies.
Mohamed bin Nayef was relieved of all his posts, according to the decree.
The decree said the decision by King Salman to promote his son and consolidate his power was endorsed by 31 of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, made up of senior members of the ruling Al Saud family. The king invited Saudis to pledge allegiance to the new crown prince.
Intent on dispelling speculation of internal divisions in the ruling dynasty, Saudi television repeatedly aired footage of Mohamed bin Nayef pledging allegiance to Mohamed bin Salman, who knelt and kissed his older cousin’s hand, saying: “We will not give up taking your guidance and advice.”

Related Story