MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) welcomes the first results of the official investigation into Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death and will continue to co-invest with its Saudi partners, the fund said in a statement.

Saudi officials said on Saturday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during a fight inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia came under intense international criticism over the case with many officials and businessmen cancelling their trips to a high-profile investment conference in Riyadh.

"The Russian Direct Investment Fund welcomes the decisive actions taken by Saudi Arabia as a result of the official investigation of Jamal Khashoggi’s case to punish and prosecute those who are responsible for this tragedy", the fund said.

The fund said it strongly supports the process of "transformative and historical reforms" in Saudi Arabia undertaken by its leadership. It said the reforms, including the programme Vision 2030 are of true significance for the Middle East and for the whole world.

Saudi officials said the fight at the consulate resulted in Khashoggi's death. Saudi law enforcement agencies arrested 18 people they believe are connected to the case.

RDIF earlier said it will participate in the investment conference Future Investment Initiative which starts in Riyadh on October 23. The fund brings to Saudi Arabia a delegation of prominent Russian businessmen and public figures.

"RDIF and many of its partners will continue close investment cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote partnership and friendship among our great nations", the fund said.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, known for his criticism of Saudi Arabia’s current policy, left his home country and moved to the United States in 2017. The journalist wrote articles for The Washington Post, analyzing the situation in Saudi Arabia and the country’s foreign policy.