Saudi Arabia's King Fahd could be released from hospital by the end of the week easing concerns for stability in the region after he was reported to be in serious ill health last week.
Interior Minister Prince Nayef said today that the 83-year-old's health has greatly improved and he may leave hospital within the next few days.
"I would like to reassure you that today in particular the improvement and progress was very big.
"His health thank God is as good as can be. Hopefully, he will leave the hospital in the next few days," Prince Nayef, who is King Fahd's brother, said.
The deteriorating health of the head of the House Saud caused concern at home and abroad. Saudi Arabia's influence in the Gulf and around the world is significant. It is the world's largest oil exporter giving it influence on it's neighbours and other oil producers.
As the largest and wealthiest country in the region, with US bases on its territories it has considerable power to quell or foment unrest among its neighbours but also keep radical elements within in its borders at bay. Osama bin Laden is from Saudi Arabia and the country has been battling al Qaeda militants for two years.
Fahd was rushed to hospital last Friday with pneumonia and high fever. The official line was that he had an infection but sources suggested his illness may be more serious.
A stroke incapacitated Fahd in 1995 and Crown Prince Abdullah (81) has since been in charge of the day-to-day running of the kingdom. If Fahd dies, Abdullah is set to become king.
The royal family has issued daily statements since Fahd was taken to hospital in an attempt to reassure the public over the king's health.