Saudi Arabia has said that last week's decision by major oil producing countries to cut their production target was not a politically motivated move against the United States.

Its foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday after Washington criticized the OPEC+ agreement to reduce its target by 2 million barrels per day from next month.

The US had sought an increase from OPEC+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, such as Russia.

The statement says the Saudi Arabian government totally denies it takes sides in international conflicts. It says the decision took into account the balance of supply and demand and was aimed at limiting market volatility.

It describes Saudi Arabia's relationship with the US as "strategic," stressing that it is important to build on "the solid pillars" upon which the relationship has stood over the past eight decades.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized the OPEC+ decision on Tuesday. She said, "They certainly are aligning themselves with Russia."

She added President Joe Biden has been "very clear" that the US needs to "find a different sort of relationship with Saudi Arabia."

Analysts say Saudi Arabia is seeking to prevent its ties with the US, a security ally, from cooling.