The Saudi Defense Minister discusses a solution to the Yemeni crisis with the leadership council
As part of the ongoing diplomatic and political efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote stability in the region, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, met with His Excellency Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and members of the Council, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Yemen and His Excellency the Minister of State, Governor of the interim capital, Aden.
His Highness the Minister of Defense began the meeting by conveying the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - and their wishes for the Republic of Yemen and its brotherly people to enjoy continued security, stability and prosperity, stressing the depth of the fraternal ties that unite the two countries.
Discussing efforts to end the Yemeni crisis
Prince Khalid bin Salman explained via his official account on the "X" platform that the meeting addressed the strong bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments on the ground and the political situation in Yemen. The talks focused on efforts to end the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution that guarantees lasting peace. The meeting also emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to address the Southern issue through dialogue and consultation within the framework of the Riyadh Conference, with the aim of developing a comprehensive vision for just solutions that satisfy all Yemeni parties.
Historical context and the Saudi role
These talks are an extension of the pivotal and historic role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Yemeni conflict. From sponsoring the Gulf Initiative, through the Riyadh Agreement which unified the anti-coup forces, to the Riyadh consultations that led to the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022, Riyadh has continued its efforts to bring together the Yemeni factions. These meetings are part of the Kingdom's strategy to support the legitimate Yemeni government and state institutions, and to prevent the country from descending into further chaos that could affect the security of international waterways and regional security.
Continued economic and development support
On the economic front, the Minister of Defense affirmed the Kingdom's continued support for Yemen, under the directives of its wise leadership, through the provision of economic support packages and vital development projects. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen plays a key role in this regard, implementing hundreds of projects in the health, education, energy, water, and transportation sectors across various Yemeni governorates. This is in addition to direct support for the Central Bank of Yemen to strengthen the value of the local currency and the provision of petroleum derivatives to operate power plants, which directly contributes to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
This meeting is of paramount importance given its timing, coinciding with intensive international and UN efforts to solidify the ceasefire and advance negotiations for a final settlement. Analysts point out that Saudi Arabia's continued emphasis on a political solution thwarts any attempts to escalate the conflict militarily and strengthens the position of the legitimate Yemeni government in international forums. Furthermore, stability in Yemen is a cornerstone of security in the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea region, making the success of these efforts a strategic regional and international interest aimed at building a better future for Yemen, free from conflict and foreign interference.
