By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah arrived in New York Tuesday morning for medical treatment, according to official Saudi state media.
The 86-year-old Abdullah arrived in a wheelchair at John F. Kennedy Airport. He is in town for treatment of a blood clot that complicated a slipped spinal disc and is causing him back pain, official state news outlet Saudi Press Agency reported.
It was not revealed at what hospital Abdullah will receive treatment.
Before travelling abroad, Abdullah temporarily turned power over to his half-brother and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Sultan.
The U.S. State Department tweeted Monday that the king would be visiting and wished him a "speedy recovery."
"The medical team recommended that, that he leaves to the U.S. to visit a spine-specialized medical center in order to complete medical examinations and for follow-up treatment," Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said in an interview Sunday with Saudi state television.
"But I assure everyone that he is in a stable condition, and that he is enjoying health and well-being, and God willing, he will be back safe and sound to lead this proud nation," al-Rabeeah said.
Doctors ran tests on both Friday and Sunday on Abdullah after he had complained of back pain, state media reported.
