Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has arrived in Morocco to recuperate after undergoing back surgery in the US.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI met King Abdullah at Casablanca airport where he will now complete his physical therapy.

The Saudi king flew to New York on 22 November where he underwent an operation for a debilitating herniated disc that was complicated by a haematoma that was putting pressure on his spine.

“I want to assure all that I am in good health and will return soon, very soon, to the kingdom to be among by family and people,” King Abdullah was quoted as saying by Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah.

The king’s half brother, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz who has been defence minister since 1962 is believed to have cancer. However, he returned from Morocco on 21 November to assume control of the government, while King Abdullah was in New York.

Saudi Arabia has been ruled by the Al-Saud family since 1932. King Abdullah is credited with installing much-needed reforms in Saudi Arabia since he became king in 2005.