Manama: Bahrain has expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, saying it rejected any move to undermine its policies, stature or sovereignty.

Bahrain in a statement on Sunday reiterated its “deep appreciation of the high standing of Saudi Arabia, which is the cornerstone of the security and stability of the Arab and Islamic worlds ... Bahrain reaffirms its full support for Saudi Arabia on all wise policies and gigantic efforts to confront challenges and threats to international security, mainly extremism and terrorism,” the statement said.

It came as Saudi Arabia rejected threats to punish it over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, saying it would retaliate against any sanctions with tougher measures, the official Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump threatened “severe punishment” for Riyadh.

“The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats and attempts to undermine it, whether by threatening to impose economic sanctions, using political pressures, or repeating false accusations...” SPA quoted an unnamed government source as saying.

“The kingdom also affirms that if it receives any action, it will respond with greater action, and that the kingdom’s economy has an influential and vital role in the global economy...” the source added without elaborating.

Riyadh has consistently denied any foul play and a joint Saudi-Turkish team is investigation the issue.

“Such threats will not undermine the kingdom, its steadfast positions or its Arab, Islamic and international stature, the official said. “All such feeble endeavours against Saudi Arabia will die out, like the ones that preceded them, and the kingdom, with its government and people, will remain steadfast and cherished, regardless of the circumstances and whatever the pressures,” the official said.

“The kingdom appreciates the brothers’ stand in the face of the campaign of fabricated allegations and false claims. It also values the voices of the people around the world who opted for wisdom, reflection and the search for truth, rather than rush to exploit rumours and accusations to achieve goals and agendas that have nothing to do with the search for truth.”

The official stressed that Saudi Arabia, thanks to its position in the Arab and Muslim world, has played a prominent role throughout history in achieving security, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

“Saudi Arabia has led efforts in combating extremism and terrorism, enhancing economic cooperation and consolidating peace and stability in the region and across the world,” the official said.

“The kingdom continue to work closely with other countries to promote these goals, based on its special status as the Land of Revelation and the Qibla of all Muslims.”