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Saudi king heads cabinet meeting after medical treatment, state media state

Saudi Arabia's King Salman chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, state media said, the very first time the king was reported to have actually performed authorities duties since getting medical treatment more than a week ago.

The 88-year-old king, custodian of Islam's holiest websites, became ruler of the world's top oil exporter in 2015. He was previously crown prince and deputy premier.

King Salman was seen in photographs heading the weekly cabinet meeting, held by video conference. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in addition to ministers, might be seen in the photos in attendance.

At the beginning of the meeting, the king thanked the Saudi people for their well-wishes and kind prayers.

He also expressed his appreciation for everyone who sent out him their desires of health and wellness from the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries, asking the Almighty God to grant everybody health and happiness, according to the cabinet statement, brought by the state news firm.

It formerly reported that King Salman was to receive treatment for lung swelling. Prince Mohammed later on held off an official visit to Japan due to the king's health. Sources formerly told the crown prince was likewise scheduled to check out China.

State TV broadcast footage of King Salman chairing the meeting, whose participants likewise included Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.