Saudi Arabia: The security of the Kingdom and the stability of Yemen are a red line that cannot be crossed
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its firm and unwavering stance on the Yemeni issue, emphasizing that the Kingdom's security and Yemen's stability are indivisible and constitute a red line that cannot be crossed or compromised. This reaffirmation comes within the framework of the strategic vision adopted by Riyadh since the outbreak of the crisis, which considers the strategic depth of the two countries to be organically intertwined, and that any threat to its southern neighbor directly impacts Saudi national and regional security.
Historical context and roots of the crisis
Since the launch of the Arab Coalition's operations to support legitimacy in Yemen in 2015, in response to a request from Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Saudi Arabia has exerted its political, military, and economic weight to prevent the Yemeni state from being hijacked by armed militias. These actions were not merely a knee-jerk reaction, but rather based on clear international frameworks, most notably the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Throughout the past years, the Kingdom has sought to balance the necessary military action to deter militia expansion with the political process, culminating in the Riyadh Agreement and the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, with the aim of unifying the Yemeni ranks and restoring state institutions.
Dimensions of the red line: regional security and international corridors
When Saudi Arabia speaks of a "red line," it is referring to more than just immediate geographical boundaries; it encompasses the protection of vital international waterways. Yemen overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial artery for global trade and energy transport. Therefore, stability in Yemen is paramount to international peace and security, not merely a local or regional concern. Riyadh understands that allowing Yemen to descend into chaos or foreign interference threatens the safety of navigation in the Red Sea, a situation that the Kingdom and the international community categorically reject.
Humanitarian role and reconstruction
The Saudi concept of security and stability is not limited to the military and political aspects alone, but extends to include the humanitarian and developmental dimension as a fundamental pillar of stability. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of donor countries to Yemen through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in addition to the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen. Riyadh believes that strengthening Yemen from within requires improving the living conditions of Yemeni citizens, supporting the economy, and providing basic services, thus thwarting extremist groups that exploit poverty and ignorance to recruit followers.
The future of a political solution
In conclusion, the Saudi position remains clear in its support for all UN and international efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution that ends the war and restores security and stability. The Kingdom consistently affirms its commitment to a just peace that guarantees Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also safeguarding the Kingdom's borders and citizens, thus reinforcing the principle of shared security, which Riyadh considers the cornerstone of its relationship with its Yemeni neighbor.
