Khashoggi murder was repulsive, says Saudi Crown Prince!

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh on Wednesday. - AFP

• Middle East will be the 'New Europe': Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince on Wednesday denounced the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and vowed justice would prevail.

After phoning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the October 2 killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged there would be "no rupture" in ties with Ankara.

"The incident was very painful for all Saudis, it's a repulsive incident and no one can justify it," Crown Prince Mohammed said in his first comments since the journalist's murder. "Those responsible will be held accountable...in the end justice will prevail," he told a major investment forum in Riyadh, speaking in Arabic in his first public comments on the case.

The crown prince said he expects a wave of economic reforms to sweep across the region, making the Middle East the 'New Europe'. He added that he wanted the region's economic transition to happen in his lifetime. He said the kingdom will continue with reforms and spending on infrastructure.