Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia's veteran ambassador to the United States, has resigned “for private reasons,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Bandar, who served in Washington for more than 20 years and had close ties with several U.S. presidents, will be replaced by Prince Turki al-Faisal, the former intelligence chief who is currently ambassador to London.
Reports about Bandar's imminent departure had circulated in Washington for the past two months.
A ministry statement said Prince Bandar had asked King Fahd to relieve him of his duties for private reasons “after more than 20 years of distinguished service.”
The king had agreed to his request and issued orders to start the process of nominating Prince Turki in his place, the statement said.
