Prince Mohammad bin Salman named as Saudi Defense Min.

RIYADH, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Friday issued a royal decree appointing Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as minister of defense, chief of the royal court and special advisor to the King.
King Salman has held the defense portfolio since 2012 when he was crown prince, the same as the late prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz who served as crown prince and minister of defense.
The new-appointed Minister of Defense Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz thanked King Salman for bestowing on him his royal confidence and prayed to Allah Almighty to help him achieve the aspirations of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
He expressed condolences over the demise of late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, saying: "We missed a dedicated leader to his religion, nation and people." Prince Mohammad bin Salman got a bachelor of law from King Saud University in Riyadh before being appointed in 2009 as special advisor to Prince Salam, the then governor of Riyadh.
He also served as secretary general of Riyadh center for competitiveness and special advisor to board chairman of King Abdulaziz's house.
He used also to serve as supervisor of the Crown Prince Salman's office and personal affairs when his father took up the post. In March, 2013, he was appointed as chief of staff of the Crown Prince Salman's office.
On April 25, 2014, he was named as minister of state besides holding other posts such as chairmanship of the committee on the development of financial resources and the membership of the higher committee on the development of Dariya area, some 15 km northwest Riyadh city. (end) od.gb