Swedish PM signals improved ties with Saudi Arabia

Sweden’s prime minister signaled improved ties with Saudi Arabia on Monday, saying the European country’s ambassador would be back in the Arab kingdom “soon.”

“We are getting back to a normal good relation, that was our intention all the time, so we see good progress,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said in a press conference in New York.

“I have not been informed if the ambassador is back. I don’t think so but the ambassador will be back soon and we have good relation with Saudi Arabia and intend to keep that,” Lofven also said.

Ties appeared to have thawed between the two countries after Saudi Arabia decided last week to send its envoy back to Sweden.

Saudi Arabia withdrew its envoy earlier this month over Swedish criticism of the monarchy's treatment of women and dissidents.

(With Reuters)