Relationship dossier
Denmark
Saudi Arabia
Relationship assessment
Relations marked by political friction over cartoons and arms exports
Denmark toward Saudi Arabia
-25Denmark suspended arms export approvals to Saudi Arabia in 2018 amid concerns linked to the Yemen conflict and human rights. Danish officials also defended freedom of expression during the Muhammad-cartoon controversy, a position that contributed to tensions with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia toward Denmark
-30Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Denmark during the 2005–06 Muhammad-cartoon controversy and participated in diplomatic pressure on Denmark over the publications.
Overall relationship
-25The relationship has been shaped by recurring political disputes, especially the Muhammad-cartoon controversy and Danish restrictions on arms exports connected to Yemen. These issues weigh more heavily than the limited evidence of substantive bilateral cooperation, but the extent of ongoing cooperation is unclear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Denmark–Saudi Arabia relations have included recurring friction over the 2005–06 Muhammad-cartoon controversy and Danish restrictions on arms exports connected to the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador during the cartoon dispute, while Denmark later suspended arms export approvals to Saudi Arabia. These episodes point to strained political ties, though the scope of sustained bilateral cooperation is unclear.
Areas of tension
- The 2005–06 Muhammad-cartoon controversy and Denmark's defense of freedom of expression.
- Danish restrictions on arms exports to Saudi Arabia amid concerns linked to the Yemen conflict and human rights.
Key developments
Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Denmark during the Muhammad-cartoon controversy.
Denmark suspended arms export approvals to Saudi Arabia amid concerns linked to the Yemen conflict and human rights.
Major uncertainties
- The scope of ongoing bilateral government cooperation is unclear.
- The extent and implementation of Danish arms-export restrictions toward Saudi Arabia may have changed over time.