Former Saudi foreign minister al-Faisal dies at 75

Saudi Arabia's former foreign minister, Saud al-Faisal, who held the post for 40 years, died on Thursday in the United States, a close source said. He was 75. Al-Faisal died in his house in Los Angeles after suffering an undisclosed illness, the source from inside al-Faisal's palace in Riyadh said without giving details.

Al-Faisal was named the kingdom's foreign minister in 1975 and continued to hold the portfolio until last May. He was the world's long-serving foreign minister. The Saudi Royal court in a statement late on Thursday said that the funeral will be held on Saturday in Mecca.

"The Arab and Muslim nations as well as the whole world have known the late prince Saud al-Faisal for five decades during which he served his country and nation with great honesty and dedication," the statement added.

US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed condolences to the prince's family and friends, King Salman and the people of Saudi Arabia. "He was a man of vast experience, personal warmth, great dignity, and keen insights who served his country loyally and well," Kerry said in a statement. His 40 years in office is a sign of the universal respect with which he was viewed, Kerry added. "His legacy as a statesman and diplomat will not be forgotten," Kerry said.   (dpa)

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