Arabs, Int’l Community Welcome Saudi Initiative to End Yemen Crisis

The Saudi foreign minister declared the initiative during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi foreign minister declared the initiative during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Arabs, Int’l Community Welcome Saudi Initiative to End Yemen Crisis

The Saudi foreign minister declared the initiative during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi foreign minister declared the initiative during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Several countries and international organizations welcomed on Monday Saudi Arabia’s initiative to end the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution.

The United Nations welcomed the peace initiative, which aligns with the world body’s own efforts, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Kuwait welcomed the initiative, calling on Yemeni parties to fully adhere to it to reach the desired political solution according to the three agreed terms of reference.

The foreign ministry also urged the international community to support the proposal and launch a political process that ends the conflict in Yemen in a way that preserves its security and stability.

Bahrain expressed full support for the initiative, highlighting the essential role played by Saudi Arabia in maintaining regional security, peace and stability, and protecting global interests in the region.

It called on the international community to support the initiative and launch a political process that ends the war in order to restore peace and security to Yemen.

Egypt welcomed the initiative, hailing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in Yemen that ends its political and humanitarian crisis, works to give priority to the interests of the Yemeni people and paves way for the resumption of the political process.

It urged all Yemeni parties to respond to the initiative to the best interest of the Yemeni people.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the initiative, stressing the Kingdom's continuous keenness on the security, stability of Yemen and the region.

It called on all parties to accept the initiative to stop the bloodshed in Yemen, tackle the humanitarian and economic situation and prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf welcomed the Saudi initiative, expressing support for starting political consultations among Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive political solution, according to the GCC Initiative, national dialogue and UN Security Council resolution 2216.

Al-Hajraf emphasized that the initiative reflects the great keenness and the sincere willingness to end the Yemeni crisis, following years of war due to the Houthi militias’ coup against the state.

He called on all Yemeni parties to accept the initiative to overcome the existing hurdles and prioritize the interests of the people.

Al-Hajraf underscored the Kingdom’s efforts to support Yemeni security and stability, while praising the positive role of Oman to end the crisis.



Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
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Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.


Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Saturday the Kingdom’s deep regret over the damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling.

The ministry stressed the need to protect diplomatic missions and their personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means.


Khalid bin Salman Says Saudi Arabia Supporting 'Real Path' for Southern Yemen Cause

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
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Khalid bin Salman Says Saudi Arabia Supporting 'Real Path' for Southern Yemen Cause

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman announced on Friday that the Kingdom will form a committee to prepare for the conference Riyadh will host on southern Yemen.

The committee will be formed in consultation with southern Yemen figures, he added, saying the meeting will bring together southerners from all southern regions without discrimination.

The Kingdom will support the outcomes of the conference that will be on a dialogue table that will tackle a comprehensive political solution for the whole of Yemen, he said on the X platform.

He stressed that through the Riyadh conference, the Southern Cause now has a "real path forward that is being sponsored by Saudi Arabia and backed by the international community."

"We are seeking to bring together our southern brothers at the conference to come up with just comprehensive solutions that meet their aspirations," continued Prince Khalid.

Moreover, he noted the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council's decision to dissolve itself, describing the move as "brave" and "reflecting a keenness on the Southern Cause". It will encourage more figures from the South to take part in the conference.