DHAKA: Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, appointed Khalid al-Falih, chairman of the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, as its new energy minister, replacing Ali al-Naimi, who had held the post since 1995.

A royal decree quoted on local television said that the petroleum ministry had been renamed to become the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, and that Falih would give up his other post, that of health minister, CNBC reports on Sunday (May 8).

Falih's appointment is only likely to strengthen this strategy rather than lead to any change in thinking, Saudi watchers and analysts say.

‘The appointment of Falih has been expected for some time,’ said Saddad al-Hosseini, a Saudi energy consultant.

BDST: 1054 HRS, May 8, 2016
SAS/AKA