Al-Ghaithi praises Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the Southern Dialogue and Unity

Mohammed Al-Ghaithi, a member of the Presidency of the Southern Transitional Council and head of the Consultation and Reconciliation Authority, affirmed the depth of the strategic relations that bind the Council to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, appreciating the pivotal role that Riyadh plays in sponsoring peace and stability efforts in Yemen and the region.

In important press statements, Al-Ghaithi explained the details of his meeting with the Saudi side, saying: “We affirmed to the Saudi ambassador our categorical rejection of anything that harms unity, and we stressed the necessity of maintaining a cohesive internal front to confront the current challenges.” He added, praising the Saudi role: “We highly value the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its generous sponsorship of the Southern Dialogue Conference, and we affirm our full support and absolute confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and wisdom in managing the Yemeni file.”.

Al-Ghaithi continued his remarks by referring to the results of the recent diplomatic meetings, saying: “We heard clear commitments from our brothers in Riyadh, which strengthens the vital partnership between us.”.

The importance of the Southern Dialogue and its political context

Al-Ghaithi's statements come at a time of intense political activity aimed at unifying southern factions, with the Southern Dialogue Conference considered a pivotal moment in the south's political history. The political leadership, with the support and sponsorship of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, has sought to bring together the diverse southern political spectrum under one umbrella, aiming to develop a unified vision that guarantees the rights of all and establishes a new phase of national partnership.

This dialogue gains its importance from the fact that it blocks any attempts to divert efforts or create side conflicts in the liberated areas, as the success of the Southern Dialogue and the signing of the Southern National Charter is considered a political achievement that strengthens the position of the Transitional Council and the Southern forces in any comprehensive peace negotiations sponsored by the United Nations and the international community.

Saudi Arabia's role and its regional influence

Al-Ghaithi's statements cannot be viewed in isolation from the historical role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Yemen. From the launch of Operation Decisive Storm, through the Riyadh Agreement, to the Gulf Cooperation Council consultations and the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, Riyadh has remained the main supporter of political and economic stability.

Al-Ghaithi's emphasis on "confidence in the Saudi leadership" reflects a political understanding of the necessity to maintain the strategic alliance with the Kingdom to ensure regional security, especially in light of the ongoing threats posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias. Observers believe that the high level of coordination between the Southern Transitional Council and Riyadh directly contributes to securing international waterways in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and enhances the prospects for establishing stability in the southern governorates, which positively impacts Arab and regional national security.