Clinton to Meet Abdullah in New York on Friday

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with Saudi King Abdullah in New York Friday, where he is recovering from two back surgeries, the State Department said.

The meeting at the Plaza Hotel, where the monarch is recuperating, is scheduled for 7:00 pm (0000 GMT), said U.S. officials in a statement.

His daughter Princess Adelah told Saudi daily al-Watan earlier this week that the king's health was "constantly improving" and that he would return to his country "when he has completed his treatment."

The king, who is about 86 years old, flew to New York on November 22 and was operated on two days later for a debilitating herniated disc complicated by a haematoma that put pressure on his spine.