Saudi Arabia Expresses Concern over Military Escalation in Yemen after Israeli Airstrikes

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Concern over Military Escalation in Yemen after Israeli Airstrikes

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia expressed its deep concern on Sunday over the latest military escalation in Yemen after the Israeli attacks in the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The statement stressed that these developments "exacerbate the current tension in the region”.
In a statement on X platform, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The Ministry is following with great concern the military escalation in Yemen following the Israeli attacks that targeted Hodeidah province on Saturday, July 20, 2024,” emphasizing that “these developments aggravate the current tension in the region and undermine ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza”.
The ministry also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to distance the region and its people from the dangers of war. It also called on the international community and active influential parties to fulfill their responsibilities to end conflicts in the region.
Moreover, the ministry affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to end the war on Gaza and affirmed its continuous support for peace efforts in Yemen to spare its people more suffering and achieve security and peace in the region.
On Sunday, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, affirmed that Saudi Arabia has no relation to or participation in the targeting of the Yemeni city of Hodeidah. 
He emphasized in a statement posted on the ministry's X platform account that Saudi Arabia will not allow its airspace to be violated from any direction.
 



Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior hosted a Syrian security delegation from April 14 to 16 to review the Kingdom's security practices and benefit from its expertise.

This move is part of Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to support the Syrian government in achieving security and stability, while preserving Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior, in a statement carried by the official news agency SANA, confirmed that a delegation recently visited Riyadh on an official trip “to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and policing.”

The ministry added that the visit aimed to examine Saudi security practices and benefit from its advanced expertise in related security areas, which would help develop Syria’s security framework and enhance its ability to confront emerging challenges.

The statement noted that this initiative is part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Syria committed to supporting joint cooperation that serves national interests and promotes security and stability in the region.

Earlier in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking his first foreign visit since his appointment.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Syria, strategies to support its security and stability, and ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.

In a statement published by Syria’s official news agency SANA, al-Sharaa said, “We sensed and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future, along with a commitment to uphold the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territory.”

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, following a meeting with a Syrian delegation in Riyadh earlier this year, stated, “The time has come for Syria to stabilize, rebuild, and make the most of its resources, most importantly its brotherly Syrian people.”

In a post on X, the Saudi defense minister described the meeting as “fruitful.”

On February 25, Saudi Arabia welcomed the convening of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, expressing hope that it would contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthening national unity.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its support for efforts to build Syrian state institutions, foster stability, and improve the well-being of its citizens.

The statement also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.