WASHINGTON (Ruptly) — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia “is a long, historic commitment”, commenting on how the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi might effect the countries’ relationship, during a briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Pompeo stated that this partnership is “absolutely vital to America’s national security” noting that Saudi Arabia is an “important partner of ours”. Media reports published last week claimed that American intelligence agencies have come to the conclusion that journalist Khashoggi’s killing was ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.