WASHINGTON: US Vice President Joe Biden visited King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in a New York hospital where the monarch is convalescing after back surgery. The White House said Biden made the unannounced visit Wednesday and was received by the King's family, including Abdullah's son Prince Mit'eb. Biden delivered a personal letter from President Barack Obama for the King that wished him a quick recovery, the White House said. Abdullah arrived in New York for medical treatment for a slipped disk and a blood clot pressing on nerves in his back. First surgery on the King was performed soon after he landed in the US on Nov. 22 and the Kingdom's health minister said afterward that his health was “very reassuring.” King Abdullah underwent a second operation on Dec. 2 to stabilize vertebrae in his spinal column. The Royal Court said later the surgery was “completely successful” and that the King would undergo a second phase of physiotherapy.
