Saudi crown prince: Khashoggi case painful, justice will prevail

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince on Wednesday denounced the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi as a “heinous crime”, and insisted that “justice will prevail”.

Attending an investment conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Crown Prince said the case of Khashoggi was “painful”. “Those behind this crime will be held accountable... in the end justice will prevail,” Prince Mohammad said.

Saudi officials have announced that Khashoggi died during a fist fight at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, and authorities in Riyadh have arrested 18 people in connection with the murder.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey to work together

Appearing on a discussion panel at the conference, Prince Mohammad said Saudi Arabia and Turkey would work together “to reach results”. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke to Prince Mohammad and the two discussed the steps needed to shed light on the case, a presidential source said.

In their first telephone conversation since the killing, the two discussed “the issue of joint efforts and the steps that need to be taken in order to shed light on the Jamal Khashoggi murder in all its aspects,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom have said they have taken steps to revoke visas of the suspects in Khashoggi’s murder.

Britain will prevent all suspects in the death of Khashoggi from entering the country, Prime Minister Theresa May said, adding she would speak to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman later on Wednesday.  

Economy 'will grow by 2.5 per cent this year'

Mohammad Bin Salman said the kingdom will continue with reforms and spending on infrastructure, predicting the economy will grow by 2.5 per cent this year.

Speaking at an investment conference in Riyadh, he said the kingdom will press ahead with a war on terrorism.

UAE praises Mohammad Bin Salman

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday praised Saudi Crown Prince’s efforts for the development of the region. ”Mohammad Bin Salman seems genuine and optimistic in his speech at the investment conference. His speech was comprehensive. He has our support, both morally and financially, in his personal battle for the region’s development,” Shaikh Mohammad said in a tweet.  

.@HHShkMohd praises the 150-strong Emirati delegation attending "The Future Investment Initiative" which included ministers, senior business executives and investors.https://t.co/sSURmjpWoJ pic.twitter.com/U9JvsM1FBe

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 24, 2018

“With their strong determination and resolve, the Saudis can unite and mobilise the region to build a prosperous and stable future for all the Arabs,” Shaikh Mohammad added.

. @HHShkMohd accompanied with Saudi Crown Prince, arrives to the venue where Day2 of the Future Investment Initiative takes place in Riyadh pic.twitter.com/nhEvqKIoUj

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 24, 2018