In a televised two-minute speech before the National Advisory Council Wednesday, Salman said Saudi Arabia's foreign policies are aimed at serving Arab and Islamic causes. He also referred to the importance of Saudi Arabia's custodianship of Islam's two holiest sites.

Formerly Saudi Arabia's defence minister, Salman has made security his top priority since assuming the throne in January. Two months into his reign, Saudi Arabia launched an offensive in Yemen against Iranian-allied Shiite rebels.

Salman also quickly set a new course for the monarchy's future by recasting the line of succession. He named Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, crown prince, and his 30-year-old son, Mohammed bin Salman, deputy crown prince.