UAE supports Saudi’s rejection of US Senate resolutions on Khashoggi, Yemen

UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Tuesday it supported Saudi Arabia’s response to US Senate resolutions relating to the war in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The kingdom on Monday denounced Senate votes held the previous week calling for an end to US military support for a Saudi-backed coalition fighting in Yemen and blaming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the October 2 killing at the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate.

Read: Saudi rejects US Senate position on Khashoggi, Yemen

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed the solidarity of the United Arab Emirates and its stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its position on the recent decision of the United States Senate and against anyone attempting to undermine the Kingdom’s position ,” UAE state news agency WAM reported.

The country also rejected attempts to interfere in Saudi Arabia’s internal affairs and expose its leadership and “any unfounded allegations and accusations and all attempts that would harm Saudi Arabia’s fundamental role in establishing regional security and peace”.

The statement went on to reiterate the two countries’ efforts to fight extremism and terrorism and participation in an international coalition to fight Daesh.

Last Thursday’s Senate votes were considered largely symbolic and would need to pass the House of Representatives to become law.

Read: Trump says standing by Saudi crown prince despite pleas from Senate

They followed repeated accusations of the crown prince’s involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist.

Read: Saudi foreign minister rules out extraditing suspects in Khashoggi case

Saudi Arabia has said the murder was carried out by a rogue team against the orders of intelligence chiefs. The kingdom’s Public Prosecution is pursuing the death penalty against five suspects it says were directly involved in the journalist’s death.

Read: Saudi prosecutor requests death penalty for 5 people linked to Khashoggi killing

US President Donald Trump has sought to maintain ties with the kingdom and backed the crown prince in an interview with Reuters last week.

Read: Trump says standing by Saudi crown prince despite pleas from Senate