Royal court confirms Saudi king's recovery after lung ailment tests

Saudi King Salman on Wednesday completed tests for lung inflammation and "has recovered", the royal court said in a statement carried by state media.

The announcement came three days after the royal court disclosed that King Salman, 88, had a lung infection and would undergo tests "based on the recommendations of the royal clinics".

In May, the royal court first disclosed that King Salman was suffering from a lung ailment and had other symptoms including high temperature and joint pain.

At the time he underwent a treatment programme involving antibiotics, and the royal court announced soon afterwards that he had recovered.

King Salman has been on the throne since 2015, although his son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became first in the line of succession in 2017 and acts as day-to-day ruler.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude oil exporter, has for years sought to quell speculation over King Salman's health.

On Tuesday Prince Mohammed "reassured everyone" about his father's health during a cabinet meeting, state media reported.

King Salman last chaired a cabinet meeting on September 24.

His reign has been marked by ambitious social and economic reforms largely managed by his son, who is trying to position Saudi Arabia for an eventual post-oil future.

Prince Mohammed has also overseen an intense crackdown on dissent that analysts say has helped him to consolidate power.