OSLO, Norway, May 28 (UPI) -- The governor of Riyadh said Saudi Arabia is watching the ongoing U.S.-led war in Afghanistan closely but it isn't seeking an active role.
Despite a prominent influence in the Southwest Asian region and historical ties to Afghanistan, Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz said Saudi Arabia isn't looking to play a significant role in Afghanistan.
"Allow me to say, without arrogance, that Saudi Arabia is not searching for a role but rather it is the role that is pursuing Saudi Arabia," Abdulaziz said in a report on the Arabic international daily news site Asharq Alawsat.
Abdulaziz, who made the statement following meetings with Norwegian officials, acknowledged Saudi Arabia is hopeful that the conflict in Afghanistan will soon come to an end.
Abdulaziz's meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store occurred before the announced approval that Saudi Arabia has been granted permission to open an embassy in Norway.
