Obama on Friday expressed his personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people on the death of King Abdullah

U.S. President Barack Obama is set to fly to Saudi Arabia to meet with King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday, the White House confirmed, according to Reuters news agency.

Obama was scheduled to go to India’s famed Taj Mahal with First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday, at the end of a three-day visit to the country.

King Abdullah died on Friday after a short illness and has been succeeded by King Salman.

Obama is due to hold summit talks in India on Sunday, attend Monday’s military parade and give a speech on Tuesday morning before his early departure, Indian sources had told Reuters news agency before the White House announced the president’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Obama on Friday expressed his personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people on the death of King Abdullah. The president hailed the late king as a “candid” and courageous leader.

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