UAE expresses solidarity with Saudi over ‘politicised campaign’

The UAE has affirmed its “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia against all attempts to “undermine its regional stature and fundamental role in establishing regional peace and security”, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has said.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that the fierce and politicised campaign led against the kingdom ‘ignores’ its constructive and reasonable policy, official news agency WAM reported.

Saudi has been facing international scrutiny over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The kingdom has dismissed allegations that Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 after entering to get documents for his forthcoming marriage.

The country said last week it would be conducting a joint investigation of what happened with Turkey.

Read: Saudi team in Turkey investigating Khashoggi disappearance

Commending Saudi’s policies in the region, Sheikh Abdullah said: “The anti-Saudi campaign will not impinge on the kingdom’s central role in the region which is rooted in logic and moderation.

“As necessity now arises to clarify the facts associated with this crisis in a neutral and honest manner, we reaffirm our categorical rejection of the repercussions of the politicised anti-Saudi campaign.”

His remarks come as US President Donald Trump said over the weekend that the country would not cancel arms deals with Saudi Arabia but promised “severe punishment” if its role in the incident was proven.

Britain, France and Germany said on Sunday they were treating the case with “utmost seriousness”.

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On Sunday, an unnamed Saudi official expressed “total rejection of any threats and attempts to undermine [it] whether by waving economic sanctions, using political pressure, or repeating false accusations.”

A statement also promised that if the kingdom receives any action “it will respond with greater action”.

“Saudi Arabia appreciates the voices of the wise people around the world who have [shown] wisdom, deliberation and the search for truth, rather than rushing to exploit rumours and accusations to achieve goals and agendas that have nothing to do with the search for truth,” the official said.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington later tweeted a “clarification”, thanking countries including the United States “for refraining from jumping to conclusions” over the case.

In a sign Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud may seek a diplomatic solution to the incident, he stressed the strength of Saudi-Turkish ties in a telephone call with President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, SPA said late on Sunday.

The king thanked Erdogan for welcoming a Saudi proposal to form a joint working group to discuss Khashoggi’s disappearance and said no one could undermine their relationship.

Read more: Saudi says won’t bow to political pressure, threatens response to any sanctions