Off the wire
• Israeli PM on ties with U.S. and talks with Palestinians  • Islamic State claims attack on Tunis museum  • U.S. closes Djibouti embassy for security review  • China to help Ghana construct 1 bln USD solar plant  • Greek PM calls for brave steps to overcome debt crisis before EU summit  • LME base metals rise mostly on Thursday  • Interview: China to remain important engine for global economy: IMF chief  • Ghana busts drug trafficking gang with heroin worth over 1 mln USD  • Tusk: EU to uphold sanction pressure on Russia  • China's Finance Ministry welcomes Luxembourg to join AIIB  
You are here: 　 Home

GCC summons Swedish ambassador in Riyadh

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday summoned the Swedish ambassador in Riyadh to protest against Sweden's criticism on Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al- Zayani summoned the Swedish Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt to the GCC headquarters following the statements made by Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallstrom against Saudi Arabia.

In January, Wallstrom made criticism on Saudi Arabia's human rights record and judicial system.

The GCC condemned the foreign minister's abusive remarks against Saudi Arabia, saying Wallstrom ignored the great progress the Kingdom has made at all levels.

The GCC also considered Wallstrom's statements as an unacceptable interference in the Kingdom's internal affairs, and contrary to all international conventions and diplomatic norms.

On March 9, Saudi Arabia blocked a plan for Wallstrom to address the Arab League meeting in Cairo in a protest over her criticism. In response, on March 10, Sweden said it would not renew a long-time arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recalled their ambassadors in Sweden over the comments that threat the bilateral ties between Arab countries and Sweden. Endit