Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia’s new king has appointed a second-generation prince to the line of succession.

King Salman has appointed Interior Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef as deputy crown prince. The position was seen as a stepping stone for the 55-year-old minister to become the next Saudi monarch.

“We will continue, God willing, to hold the straight course that this country has followed since its establishment by the late King Abdul Aziz,” Salman said.

Mohammed has represented the second generation of Saudi princes who have waited for decades to enter positions of influence. His late father, Nayef, was interior minister for more than 30 years, but lasted only several months as crown prince before he died in 2012.

Diplomatic sources said Mohammed was regarded as the most pro-American of the next generation of princes. The administration of President Barack Obama has met several times with him, particularly after he was appointed interior minister in 2012.

For his part, Salman pledged to maintain Saudi policy under his predecessors.

The king appointed his 35-year-old son, Mohammed Bin Salman, another rival for the throne, as defense minister and head of the royal court. Mohammed is the youngest member of the Cabinet.

“Prince Mohammed’s appointment comes as a result of the successful role he played as head of the crown prince’s court,” Saudi analyst Saleh Abdul Rahman said.

  New Saudi king appoints young 2nd generation princes to key posts, WorldTribune.com