Saudi Arabia fears US sanctions for buying Russian missile defence system

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Russia has revealed his hope that the US will not impose sanctions on his country for its plans to buy the S-400 missile defence system from Moscow, AlKhaleejonline.com reported on Friday.

Raed Ben Khalid Qarmali made his comment when asked if Saudi Arabia is going ahead with its plan to purchase the system, just one day after America imposed sanctions on China for a similar deal with the Russians.

“I hope that no one imposes sanctions on us,” said Qarmali. He noted that 14 memorandums were signed during the visit of Saudi King Salman to Moscow, including four military deals. “The implementation of three has just started,” the ambassador added.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on China after Beijing bought aircraft and other military equipment from Russia. The Chinese government described the American move as a “flagrant violation of the rules of international relations.”

READ: US sanctions China for buying Russia war planes, missiles