Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Cairo Ahmed Kattan denied claims by the Muslim Brotherhood that the Kingdom had sought the release of ousted president Hosni Mubarak in exchange for a payment of $ 660 million (4 billion Egyptian pounds).

“It is not true that Saudi Arabia offered four billion Egyptian pounds in return for getting Mubarak out of jail,” Kattan said in a statement issued from the embassy’s press office.

He warned that the claims stated by the Muslim Brotherhood’s Deputy Supreme Guide Khairat Al-Shater could harm bilateral relations.

“This could affect the strong ties between the two countries which date back to many years ago.”

Kattan stressed that Saudi Arabia does not meddle in Egypt’s internal affairs and that his country is committed to supporting Egypt through its stage of transition. “We care about Egypt because of how important it is in the region.”

The ambassador accused “known” parties of seeking to drive a wedge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

“But it is very hard for our historical ties to be affected, and Saudi Arabia has made it very clear that its policy toward Egypt is based on respecting the choices of Egyptians when it comes to their domestic affairs.”