JEDDAH, Aug 6 (KUNA) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed on Monday its understanding on Saudi Arabia's decisions it made yesterday in recalling its ambassador to Canada and declare the Canadian ambassador persona non grata.
In a press release, the OIC Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen called for respect of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and refused any interference in its internal affairs, as a principle of all international charters and conventions.
Al-Othaimeen added that Saudi Arabia is sovereign and widely respected on a regional and international level, and its courts are independent with laws that serve the best interest of its civil society.
Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday recalling its ambassador to Canada for consultation and declare the Canadian ambassador in Saudi persona non grata, giving him 24 hours to leave.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated a complete halt of new business and investment transactions with Canada and retaining its right to take further action.
The statements came after the Canadian Foreign Minister and the Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a statement to what it called civil society activists that have been arrested in Saudi Arabia, and urged the Saudi authorities to release them. (end) sna.aq