Türkiye welcomes the Riyadh conference on southern Yemen and supports the leadership council
The Republic of Turkey expressed its great welcome and support for the tireless efforts made by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council to establish the foundations of stability and security in the Republic of Yemen, appreciating the steps aimed at unifying ranks and addressing current challenges.
This stance was expressed in an official statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Saturday, commenting on the rapidly escalating developments in Yemen's southern provinces. The Anadolu Agency quoted the ministry as affirming that Ankara is following with grave concern the events that threaten Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the impact of these developments on the security and stability of neighboring countries and the region as a whole.
Turkish support for the Riyadh conference
The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in its statement, emphasized the importance of the initiative to hold a comprehensive conference in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, expressing its welcome of this step and Saudi Arabia's support for this call, which aims to bridge the divide and unify the visions of the various Yemeni factions. Turkey affirmed its support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the Presidential Leadership Council, in its efforts to achieve comprehensive peace.
Context of events and the importance of the Presidential Leadership Council
This call comes at a delicate political and military juncture for Yemen, where the Presidential Leadership Council was formed in April 2022, headed by Rashad al-Alimi, as a crucial step towards transferring power and unifying the anti-Houthi front. The Yemeni government faces significant challenges in the southern governorates, requiring ongoing dialogue to ensure the cohesion of the home front and the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, previously sponsored by Saudi Arabia, to resolve tensions between the government and the Southern Transitional Council.
Saudi role and regional dimensions
Turkey's support for the Riyadh conference reflects an international and regional recognition of the pivotal role Saudi Arabia plays in the Yemeni conflict. The Kingdom has not only led the Arab coalition but has also spearheaded complex diplomatic efforts to bring the Yemeni factions to the negotiating table. Stability in southern Yemen is a cornerstone of regional security, given its strategic location overlooking international shipping lanes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Observers believe that holding a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to address the situation in southern Yemen presents a golden opportunity to unify political, military, and economic efforts. This is considered essential for improving the living conditions of Yemeni citizens and paving the way for any comprehensive peace negotiations that would end the years-long conflict in the country. The Turkish position underscores the international consensus on the necessity of preserving Yemen's unity and territorial integrity as a top priority for the international community.
