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ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived Thursday in the United Arab Emirates at the beginning of a tour in several Arab countries. It was his first trip abroad since the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which sparked a worldwide outcry.
The prince, de facto leader of the country, is also expected to attend a G20 meeting in Buenos Aires at the end of the month, which will include leaders from the United States, Turkey and European countries.
The murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post editorialist and critic of the Crown Prince, at the Riyadh consulate in Istanbul six weeks ago has strained Saudi Arabia's ties with the West and tarnished Picture of Prince Mohammed abroad.
King Salman asked the heir of his choice, known in the West as the MBS, to conduct the visit "on the basis of his desire to deepen the kingdom's ties to the levels. regional and international, "reported the Saudi news agency.
Prince Mohammed was welcomed upon his arrival in the United Arab Emirates by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nayhan, a close ally of the MBS.
"We are proud of our deep ties, close cooperation and fruitful partnership are coming to our countries, the UAE will always be a loving home and support for our brothers in Saudi Arabia," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in a speech. . Twitter post.
The Tunisian Business News newspaper announced that it is expected to visit Tunisia on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia said the prince had no prior knowledge of the murder of the prominent Saudi journalist. After many contradictory explanations, Riyadh said last week that Khashoggi was killed and his body dismembered when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the murder was ordered by the highest Saudi authorities, but probably not by King Salman, thus putting the spotlight on the 33-year-old crown prince.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington would remain an "unwavering partner" of Saudi Arabia, although Prince Mohammed was made aware of Khashoggi's assassination plan.
