Saudi Arabia and the United States called on Wednesday for intensifying diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen.
They stressed the importance of the Iran-backed Houthi militias joining with good intentions political negotiations with the legitimate Yemeni government under the supervision of the United Nations.
The statement was declared after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, received US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday.
Talks focused on bilateral relations between Riyadh and Washington and ways to bolster them in various fields. They also tackled regional issues of interest.
Crown Prince Mohammed underscored Saudi Arabia’s initiative to end the crisis in Yemen that it had announced earlier this year. The initiative calls for a comprehensive ceasefire that would be monitored by the UN, agreeing to the organization’s proposal to allow the entry of ships carrying oil derivatives to Hodeidah port and reopening Sanaa’s international airport to flights.
The initiative also calls for kicking off consultations between Yemeni parties to reach a UN-sponsored political solution based on the three references.
For his part, Sullivan underlined the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US. He stressed Washington’s complete commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia as it defends itself against threats, including ballistic missile and armed drone attacks by the Houthis.
He emphasized US President Joe Biden’s support for Saudi Arabia’s goal to push forward a lasting political solution and ending the conflict in Yemen.
