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German spy agency the BND, said that Saudi Arabia was becoming more “impulsive” in its foreign policy, a claim rebuffed on Thursday by the German government.

The agency was in particular critical of Saudi’s defense minister, Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud.

A government spokesman said "The published assessment does not reflect the position of the German government.” The spokesman added a reaffirmation of Germany’s position that sees Saudi Arabia as an essential partner "in a crisis-ridden world," adding that the relationship is important "especially on the way to peace in Syria.”

He made it clear that Germany holds the Saudis in esteem, but from a more practical perspective, as a regional solution and effective fight against the ISIS is precedented on Saudi cooperation, according to the spokesman.

The BND briefing that caused the stir was first published in German media. It alleges that changes in Saudi foreign policy have been exaggerated since King Salman came to power in January, and was particularly critical of Saudi’s increasing military intervention in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition of nine Arab states carrying out airstrikes and a naval blockade on Yemen since March 2015 to influence the outcome of the country’s civil war.

Since the Saudi-led coalition began its airstrike campaign, 78% or 20 million Yemenis have been under attack, in desperate need of food, water and medical aid. The situation has been called a “humanitarian disaster” by human rights groups.

The BND further mentioned Saudi Arabia’s decision to back Syrian rebels and Saudi policies in Bahrain, Lebanon and Iraq.

The briefing warned against the new leadership in Saudi Arabia saying "What was previously a cautious diplomatic stance of the elder leaders in the royal family is being replaced by an impulsive policy of intervention," further claiming that the Saudis were losing faith in the US’ ability to support their same sides of power.

As recently as July, the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, speaking with Al Arabiya News praised among other things, the Saudi role in aiming for stability in the region and fighting against Iran’s proxy fighters like Lebanon’s Hizbollah.

“Germany and Saudi Arabia have been partners for many years. We know each other well and trust each other. We both hold a leading position in our respective regions. We are both members of the G20. Our governments are firmly committed to working closely together, be it on crisis management in the Middle East or on topics such as energy and climate protection. There is mutual respect between our two governments,” the Foreign Minister said.