British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt, French Foreign Minister Jean- Yves Le Drian and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas released a written statement on the disappearance of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"Defending freedom of expression and a free press and ensuring the protection of journalists are key priorities for Germany, the United Kingdom, and France," the statement read.

The joint statement - which came a day after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg - stressed the need for a "credible investigation" to take place.

"Germany, the United Kingdom, and France share the grave concern expressed by others including HRVP Mogherini and UNSG Guterres, and are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness."

"There needs to be a credible investigation to establish the truth about what happened, and – if relevant – to identify those bearing responsibility for the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, and ensure that they are held to account," said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

Saudi officials who denied the allegation that Jamal Khashoggi was killed there after his disappearance argued that he had left the Consulate General and that there was no information about his fate.

ILKHA