White House offers condolences on death of Saudi crown prince

President Barack Obama expressed his condolences to the Saudi royal family on the passing of Crown Prince Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud on Saturday.

As Saudi Arabia's Interior minister, Nayif "dedicated himself to the security of Saudi Arabia as well as security throughout the region," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

As head of Saudi Arabia's interior ministry, Nayif oversaw the kingdom's domestic intelligence, police force and border security organizations and was a key U.S. ally in fighting al Qaeda and other terror groups in Saudi Arabia. He was next in line for the kingdom’s throne, according to reports.

"Under his leadership, the United States and Saudi Arabia developed a strong and effective partnership in the fight against terrorism, one that has saved countless American and Saudi lives," Obama said.

Vice President Joe Biden also paid tribute to the Saudi leader, saying that he was “saddened” at the news. 

Biden said Nayif had “made an historic contribution to the security of the Kingdom and to its strong partnership with the United States in the fight against terrorism.”

Nayif was known as a staunch conservative and a less-than enthusiastic supporter of political and social reforms initiated by Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, according to State Department cables published by WikiLeaks in 2009.

“However, it would be more accurate to describe him as a conservative pragmatist convinced that security and stability are imperative to preserve Al Saud rule and ensure prosperity for Saudi citizens," State department officials wrote, according to a report by the New York Times.

He was also responsible for government police who enforced Saudi Arabia's strict religious practices, such the veiling of women and the closing of stores at prayer times, according to the Times.

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