Khalid bin Salman and the Southern Issue: A Saudi Path to a Comprehensive Solution

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting a genuine and effective political process to address the southern issue in Yemen, as part of efforts to achieve comprehensive peace and stability in the region. This affirmation reflects Riyadh's pivotal role in bridging the gaps between the various Yemeni parties and its tireless pursuit of ending the years-long conflict.

Political context and the Riyadh Agreement

Saudi statements are based on important political references, most notably the Riyadh Agreement signed in 2019, which marked a pivotal turning point in the Yemeni crisis. The agreement primarily aimed to bridge the gap between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, and to unify military and political efforts to confront shared challenges. These efforts later resulted in the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, which includes representatives from various influential forces, including representatives from the south, thus giving the southern cause an official dimension within the framework of state institutions.

Historical background of the Southern issue

The significance of the Saudi statement cannot be understood without revisiting the historical roots of the Southern issue. Since Yemeni unification in 1990 and the subsequent civil war of 1994, the South has witnessed a political and popular movement demanding redress for grievances and a restructuring of the state. These demands have escalated to become a cornerstone of any current peace negotiations. The Saudi leadership recognizes that ignoring these demands could perpetuate instability, and therefore is working to integrate the Southern people's rights into the UN roadmap for peace.

Strategic importance and regional influence

Saudi Arabia's interest in the southern issue carries profound strategic implications that extend beyond Yemen's borders:

• On the local level: Resolving the southern issue contributes to unifying the internal front against the Houthi project, enhances the chances of success for any future political settlement, and paves the way for reconstruction and development in the liberated governorates.
• Regionally, the stability of southern Yemen, which overlooks the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, is a cornerstone of Arab and Gulf national security. Stability in this region means securing international shipping lanes and preventing foreign interference that threatens the security of neighboring countries.
• On the international level: The United Nations and influential international powers support the Saudi vision, as addressing the southern issue is seen as an integral part of the final solution to the Yemeni crisis, thus facilitating the tasks of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen.

In conclusion, the Saudi position demonstrates a moral and political commitment to Yemen, both its north and south, as the Kingdom, through its quiet diplomacy and development initiatives (via the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen), seeks to create an environment conducive to dialogue, guaranteeing the rights of all Yemeni components and laying the foundation for a stable and prosperous future.