Saudi Arabia’s petroleum exports worldwide will not be affected by the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the kingdom and Canada, Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih affirmed on August 9, Arab News reported.
Al-Falih stated that Saudi petroleum supplies will not be affected by political considerations, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
“He reiterated that this is a firm and longstanding policy that is not influenced by political circumstances,” the SPA report said.
On August 5, Saudi Arabia froze any new trade with Canada and expelled the Canadian ambassador over Canada’s demand for the release of jailed Saudi rights activists. State-backed educational and medical programs in Canada have also ended.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir ruled out the possibility of a third party mediating discussions between the two countries.
He said Canada needed to “fix its big mistake,” adding that Saudi Arabia is “considering taking further measures.”