The United States Monday expressed "great sadness" over the death of King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz, who passed away yesterday. State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters in Washington that King Fahd was an invaluable ally to the United States, which looks forward to continuing its relationship under the new King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz. "It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of King Fahd, who was the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. During the course of his 22-year reign, the king was a friend of the United States and played an essential role in regional and world events," Casey said. King Fahd "was a partner in efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region, and we will continue to honor his memory. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Saudi Arabia at this time." Casey told reporters that the relationship that the United States enjoys with Saudi Arabia "continues to be excellent." "We continue to have discussions with [Saudi Arabia] on a wide range of issues," Casey said. "We look forward to doing so under the leadership of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, who has succeeded to the throne." Casey said that the United States has "a close, working relationship with the government of Saudi Arabia on counter-terrorism issues," and expects to continue this relationship without interruption.
