Barack Obama calls new Saudi King to condole King Abdullah's demise

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama, en route to India, called new Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to personally express his sympathies following the passing of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the White House has said.

Obama called the Saudi King from Air Force One, the presidential aircraft, while on his way to New Delhi where he will be arriving today for a visit.

"King Salman welcomed the news that the President and the First Lady will travel to Riyadh on Tuesday, January 27 to meet with him and other Saudi officials to offer condolences on behalf of the American people," the White House said.

The US President yesterday curtailed his India-visit, skipping a trip to Agra to see iconic Taj Mahal, to be able to fly directly from New Delhi to Riyadh following the death of King Abdullah on Friday.