The 86-year-old monarch was greeted by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and a number of top Saudi officials after landing at New York's John F. Kennedy airport, Saudi Press Agency said. It published photographs showing Abdullah in a wheelchair at JFK, shaking hands with al-Faisal.

It was not immediately known where Abdullah would be receiving treatment in the United States. A statement from the palace said only that he would be undergoing "medical tests."

In Washington, the State Department said Monday that it helped facilitate clearances for the king to come to the U.S. for treatment.