Cooperation with Saudis to continue: White House

Washington: The Obama administration says its cooperation with Saudi Arabia will continue despite the kingdom`s rejection of a coveted seat on the UN Security Council.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says Saudi Arabia`s decision was its own. He says the two countries disagree on some issues but that the working relationship with Saudi Arabia will continue, including on such issues as Syria, Iran and the Middle East peace process. In an unprecedented move last week, Saudi Arabia rejected its first offer of a council seat and denounced the UN for failing to resolve world conflicts. The move appeared largely directed at its long time ally, the United States. The two countries are at odds over a number of Mideast issues, including how Washington has handled recent crises in Egypt and Syria.