German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel
German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel
Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Germany.

This move was made in response to comments by German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel suggesting that Saudi Arabia has detained Saad Hariri.

The German foreign ministry quoted Gabriel on its website as telling his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil "Germany stands firmly by Lebanon's side". He reportedly added: "Another trouble spot is the last thing that people in the Middle East need now."

Saudi Arabia however hit back at these comments made by the German minister.

"Such remarks provoke the surprise and disapproval of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which considers them as aimless and based on false information that would not help bring about stability in the region," the Saudi ministry said.