US President Barack Obama on Friday congratulated Saudi King Abdullah on the selection of Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz as his heir, noting the new crown prince\'s counterterrorism record. \"I congratulate King Abdullah and the Saudi people on the selection of Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz as Crown Prince. We in the United States know and respect him for his strong commitment to combating terrorism and supporting regional peace and security,\" Obama said in a statement.