DHAKA: Saudi Arabia’s new king has announced a major cabinet reshuffle that puts in place a new generation to succeed him.

King Salman has appointed his nephew, the powerful Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as crown prince, reports the BBC.

The king’s son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been made deputy crown prince and the foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, has been replaced.

King Salman, 78, acceded to the throne in January after the death of his half-brother Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

Abdullah, who was thought to be aged about 90, had been on the throne since 2005 and Saudi Arabia's de facto leader for 10 years before that.

BDST: 2202 HRS, APR 29, 2015
BD/