Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Sweden, in an escalating row over Swedish criticism of the country’s human rights record, which saw the Saudis blocking a speech to the Arab League by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.
"We were informed yesterday [Tuesday] that Saudi Arabia had called back its ambassador," said Swedish foreign ministry spokeswoman Veronica Nordlund.
Sweden on Monday said it would end a defence-cooperation deal, worth millions of dollars in Swedish arms exports, after Saudi Arabia blocked the speech. Stockholm said the ambassador was recalled due to Swedish criticism of Saudi’s human rights record.