JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday announced the appointment of Prince Khaled bin Salman as the new ambassador to the US.
Prince Khaled is an air force pilot who flew missions as part of the Saudi contribution to the anti-Daesh coalition. He replaces Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, who served in the post for just over a year.
Among the other major decisions announced through a series of royal decrees on state television was the removal of Information and Cultural Minister Adel Al-Toraifi. He has been replaced by Dr. Awwad bin Al-Awwad, the ambassador to Germany.
Telecommunications and IT Minister Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel has been replaced by Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha.
Civil Service Minister Khaled Al-Arj has been removed from his position.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has been named state minister for energy affairs.
In an interesting development, all regional governors will have deputies. A number of new deputies were announced.
A number of new governors were appointed. Hail Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdulmohsin has been replaced by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad.
Northern Border Region Gov. Mishal bin Abdullah has been replaced by Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan.
King Salman, through other royal decrees, restored financial allowances for civil servants and military personnel that had been cut under austerity measures.
“The royal order returns all allowances, financial benefits, and bonuses to civil servants and military staff,” said the decree.
Prince Khaled bin Salman appointed US ambassador
Prince Khaled bin Salman appointed US ambassador
‘Kingdom is on a path toward the light,’ says US Senator Graham after meeting Prince Khalid bin Salman
DUBAI: US Senator Lindsey Graham believes Saudi Arabia is on ‘a path toward the light’, in a statement he issued after meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who is on an official visit to Washington.
“My engagement with Saudi Arabia over the past two days has given me a sense of confidence that the Kingdom – while it has its own interests – is on a path toward the light, not the darkness,” the senator said in his statement.
The senator also said he was looking forward to visiting Saudi Arabia soon.
The thumbs up tour continues. Great meeting with the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 29, 2026
Wow, these people are clever. pic.twitter.com/btT6OSmcSN
“Over the years, I have developed a strong working relationship with Saudi Arabia. I know President Trump is a strong admirer of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I have seen the changes the Crown Prince has embraced and I have been impressed,” Graham said.
The US senator added that after meeting with Prince Khalid, and Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan earlier, “I am convinced that Saudi Arabia believes the best thing for the region is economic growth and prosperity.”
“Saudi Arabia wants to be a destination of choice in the future, so that people around the world to come visit what I think is an incredible country. Saudi Arabia wants to be one of the dominant forces in Al, which means the best and brightest minds will come. I am convinced that this is still the goal of the Crown Prince and the Kingdom.”
Graham also expressed appreciation to what the Kingdom was trying to do in Syria.
“They have openly said they are the friend of both the Syrian government and the Kurdish people. The attitude of seeking compromise rather than destruction, hopefully, will win the day,” the senator said in his statement.
Prince Khalid is expected to discuss Saudi-US ties and ways to strengthen during his visit, and earlier met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
