Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died, royal officials have announced, weeks after he was admitted to hospital. King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection. A statement early on Friday said his 79-year-old half brother, Salman, had become king. File photo : French President Jacques Chirac begins a state visit in Saudi Arabia with a delegation comprising the foreign, defense, economy and external trade ministers and a dozen businessmen representing major French businesses. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saoud greetting Jacques Chirac when he arrives at Riyadh airport, Saudi Arabia on March 4, 2006. Photo by Mousse/ABACAPRESS.COM.