Maldives' outgoing government on Monday came out in support of the Saudi government amid intense international pressure over the disappearance of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi - a critic of the Saudi government entered Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a document certifying he divorced his ex-wife. He has not been seen since.
The Turkish authorities in Istanbul believe Khashoggi was murdered in the consulate by Saudi agents - claims Riyadh has dismissed as "lies".
Several countries have demanded an independent investigation to Khashoggi's disappearance while US President Donald Trump promised "severe punishment" for Saudi Arabia if it turned out Khashoggi was killed in the consulate.
The case is also hitting the Saudi economy, with stocks plunging almost seven percent in early trading on Sunday, wiping out all the gains it had made since the start of the year.
Maldives foreign ministry in a statement reaffirmed its solidarity with the Saudi government rejecting any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of any country.
"The Government of Maldives strongly rejects any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of any country, whether by threatening to impose sanctions or by putting political pressure towards reaching a political objective," the statement read.
The statement also expressed confidence that the Saudi government is "fully committed to the principles of rule of law and are in compliance with international laws and conventions."
The Maldives government also commended Riyadh for its "constructive role in bringing harmony, peace and security to the entire region."
