Saudi Arabia is leading an international coalition to support the plans of the Yemeni government and al-Zindani

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading an intensive diplomatic effort on the international stage to garner the necessary support for the plans of the legitimate Yemeni government, specifically the efforts led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Shaya al-Zindani, within the framework of endeavors to rescue the national economy and strengthen state institutions. This international mobilization is a strategic step aimed at unifying global perspectives on the Yemeni issue and transitioning from the emergency relief phase to one of recovery and sustainable development.

Dimensions of the Saudi move to support legitimacy

The current Saudi initiative focuses on providing international political and economic cover for the reform plans recently proposed by the Yemeni government. Riyadh, leveraging its diplomatic influence and relationships with major powers and international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, seeks to expedite support for Yemen. These plans, promoted by Minister al-Zindani in international forums, include a series of reforms aimed at halting the depreciation of the national currency, improving basic services, and streamlining state revenue collection.

General context and historical background

This Saudi support is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of standing by Yemen during its various crises. Since the outbreak of the political and military crisis, the Kingdom has provided billions in deposits to the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden to maintain the stability of the Yemeni rial, in addition to a grant of oil derivatives to operate power plants. The current Saudi-led initiative is a continuation of the outcomes of the Riyadh consultations and the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, as the Kingdom recognizes that economic stability is the cornerstone of any future political solution.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

This international mobilization is of paramount importance at this time, given the crippling economic challenges facing the Yemeni government as a result of the halt in oil exports due to Houthi attacks on ports. This Saudi diplomatic pressure is expected to yield:

• On the local level: Strengthening the government’s ability to meet its obligations to citizens, disbursing salaries, and improving the exchange rate.
• On a regional level: Enhancing the region’s security by strengthening Yemeni state institutions, thus reducing the chances of chaos being exploited by extremist groups.
• On the international level: Creating an international consensus on the need to support the economic track in Yemen as a key entry point to ending the war and establishing comprehensive peace.

Saudi Arabia’s success in leading this international coalition supporting Minister Al-Zindani’s plans and the legitimate government will constitute a pivotal turning point, potentially paving the way for new donor conferences that focus on infrastructure projects and economic recovery, rather than solely on humanitarian aid.