国际英语新闻:Obama to visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday following the death of King Abdullah, the White House said on Saturday.

Obama, on his way to India for a visit, called new Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to personally offer his sympathies over King Abdullah's death on Friday, the White House said in a statement.

It said King Salman welcomed the news that Obama and his wife Michelle will travel to Riyadh, Saudi's capital, to offer their condolences.

Obama had issued a statement praising King Abdullah, who died on Friday, for his efforts to promote peace in the region and for his "steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.- Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond."

The bilateral relationship has been strained over Washington's approach to the Syrian conflict and other issues.

A visit to the Taj Mahal on Tuesday at the end of Obama's Indian visit has been canceled to accommodate his travel to Riyadh.