King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has appointed Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz as his heir, the state television reported today.

“We chose His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz as crown prince,” Russian news agency Itar-Tass quoted the royal court as saying in a statement.

The decision was made after a meeting of the Allegiance Council, a royal family body.

Prince Nayef, 78, has been Saudi Interior Minister since 1975. His brother Crown Prince Sultan died of cancer in the United States a week ago. Prince Nayef has a reputation of the conservative leader in the entourage of the king.

- Bernama