US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that Washington will remain a “steadfast partner” of Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom continues its investigation into the murder of citizen Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the Kingdom, saying such a "foolish" move would only benefit Russia and China.
Trump said US intelligence agencies were still studying the evidence around Khashoggi's murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 and who planned it.
"Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information," he said in a statement issued by the White House.
He also stressed that Saudi Arabia is an important business partner and a "great ally" in the fight against Iranian power in the Middle East.
"The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country and all other partners in the region," Trump said.
Later on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that the US is “obligated to adopt policies, including toward Saudi Arabia, that further US national security.”
