Bjoern von Sydow, former Swedish defense minister and special envoy of Sweden meets Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Minister of Defense. (SPA)

Sweden has apologized for the recent offensive remarks by its foreign minister against the laws of Saudi Arabia and hoped for better relations between the two countries.

Hailing the role of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in protecting Islam and its holy places, Sweden said it is looking forward to welcoming back the Saudi ambassador to Stockholm.

The kingdom had recalled its ambassador soon after the uncalled for remarks by Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.

In a message to King Salman, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Lofven expressed “deep sorrow and regret over the current crisis in the relations between the two countries” while stressing his government’s keenness to maintain healthy relations between the two countries.

Lofven also said the role of King Salman in protecting Islam and its holy places is clear and that his government was concerned over the deterioration of the relations between the two countries following the controversial comment by his cabinet minister.

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