Mauritania voices solidarity with Saudi Arabia in Canada row

Mauritania has voiced its solidarity with Saudi Arabia to confront “Canada’s interference in its internal affairs” and defend its sovereignty.

“Mauritania believes that interfering in countries’ internal affairs based on the fake excuse of defending human rights is unacceptable and contradicts diplomatic norms and international relations,” a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Monday evening said.

“This interference does not serve international peace and security but on the contrary it can threaten security and stability,” the ministry said.

It also voiced its surprise that Canada’s foreign affairs ministry and embassy in the kingdom flagrantly interfered in matters that are still being looked into by the judiciary by “giving orders to immediately release detainees in a country with sovereignty.”

On Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled its ambassador in Canada for consultation, and declared the Ambassador of Canada persona non-grata, giving him 24 hours to leave.

The kingdom also froze new trade and investment with Canada following its statement about “civil society activists”.