Saudi Arabia imposing sanctions on Dutch companies

Saudi Arabia has started imposing sanctions on Dutch companies after the Netherlands failed to take action against a right-wing politician for abusing Islam and the Saudi, a Foreign Ministry source said. “Religion is the red line which nobody will be allowed to cross,” the source told the English daily “Arab News” Wednesday, adding that Riyadh’s action was aimed at putting an end to such irresponsible behavior. “Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the Islamic world. Muslims in Holland and other parts of the world have supported the Kingdom’s action,” the source said and hoped the Netherlands would pass a law to combat abuse of religions. The Dutch government has reportedly distanced itself from Wilders’ actions, pointing out that the populist firebrand is not part of, or representative of it. Wilders previously compared the Qur’an to Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. He also blamed Saudi Arabia for terrorist attacks around the globe. Earlier, an official of the Dutch Embassy in Riyadh said The Hague is sending an envoy to Saudi Arabia this week for high-level talks as part of all-out efforts to improve relations. The trade between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands stands at 6 billion euros (about SR31 billion) with Saudi exports to the country reaching nearly SR20 billion. About 30 Dutch operate in Saudi Arabia.