Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Berlin in protest over comments made by the German foreign minister suggesting that Prime Minister Saad Hariri had been held against his will in Riyadh, Saudi state media said Saturday.

"Saudi Arabia has decided to recall its ambassador to Germany for consultations and will give the German ambassador in the kingdom a letter protesting these unfortunate and unjustified statements," state news agency SPA said, citing a spokesman for the Saudi foreign ministry.