Adel Al Jubeir sworn in as new Saudi foreign minister

Former Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel Al Jubeir was sworn in on Monday before King Salman bin Abdulaziz as the kingdom’s new foreign minister, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

The top diplomat was appointed to his post on April 29 by a royal decree that saw a major government reshuffle.

Jubeir served as the Saudi ambassador to the United States since 2007 and will be replacing Prince Saud Al Faisal, appointed as foreign minister in 1975. Prince Faisal had asked to be relieved of his duties.

The newly appointed Minister of Economy and Planning Adel Faqih, Minister of Labor Moufarrej Al Haqbani, and Minister of Health Khalid Al Falih also recited an oath that swore them into their new posts.

“I swear by Allah Almighty to be loyal to my religion, King and country, not to divulge a secret of the State's secrets, to preserve its interests and regulations, and perform my duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity,” the newly-appointed officials said.

Before his appointment as health minister, Al Falih served as president and CEO of Aramco. In a statement following the royal decree, Aramco described him “chairman of the Saudi Aramco board of directors and outgoing president and CEO”, appearing to confirm that he had been appointed as chairman.

New minister of economy and planning Al Fakieh was formerly the labor minister and was replaced by Al Haqbani.