Biden soothes hurt Saudi feelings

US Vice President Joe Biden has clarified to the Saudi Arabian government his recent remarks suggesting that key US allies destabilised Syria by sending arms and money to extremists.

Biden earlier apologised to leaders of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates as he had mentioned all the three nations in his criticism last week, MENA reported.

Biden clarified his remarks Tuesday to Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faysel.

"The vice president thanked the Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia's strong support in the shared fight against ISIL and he clarified his recent remarks regarding the early stages of the conflict in Syria," a brief statement from Biden's office said.

"The two agreed that the issue was closed," it added.