Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
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Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s invitation for holding intra-Yemeni consultations was welcomed by international and Yemeni parties. In an official statement, the Yemeni presidency urged everyone to participate actively and positively.

Yemenis are looking forward to the consultations leading to results that will turn the page of the conflict and help chart a clear path to peace.

The Yemeni presidency welcomed on Friday the GCC’s announcement that it will host Yemeni consultations at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, from March 29 to April 7.

It praised in a statement the GCC and Saudi-led Arab coalition’s sincere efforts to restore security and stability and achieve peace in Yemen, based on the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, outcomes of the national dialogue and relevant UN resolutions, mainly resolution 2216.

The presidency called on all Yemeni components to participate effectively and positively in the upcoming talks and join efforts to resolve the crises, end the suffering of Yemenis and start building the future of the next generations.

The United Nations also welcomed the initiative.

“I can tell you that the UN appreciates all initiatives to reach an inclusive negotiated political settlement to the conflict in Yemen,” said Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric.

“In that context, we welcome the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative to hold consultations among the parties to the conflict in Yemen in the coming weeks in support of the UN’s own efforts,” he added.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the initiative announced by the GCC, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The OIC’s General Secretariat had called for supporting a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and encouraged dialogue between all Yemeni parties and the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, and appreciated all efforts, especially efforts of UN and Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire and advancing the political process.

OIC Secretary General, Hissein Brahim Taha praised the GCC initiative, which would bridge the rift between Yemeni brothers.

He called on all Yemeni parties to engage in this very important initiative to stop the bleeding of Yemeni blood and reach a political solution to end the conflict and advance the interests of the Yemeni people and in support of security and stability in the region.



Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Asharq Al-Awsat: Khalid bin Salman’s Visit Is Very Important

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
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Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Asharq Al-Awsat: Khalid bin Salman’s Visit Is Very Important

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati described as “very important” Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s visit to Tehran on Friday.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he noted Prince Khalid’s meetings with senior Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

The visit is evidence that bilateral relations are moving forward at a rapid pace since they were restored less than two years ago, he added.

Speaking from Tehran, Enayati hoped that the visit would have a positive impact in the region, underlining Saudi Arabia and Iran’s importance in the region.

Prince Khalid met in Tehran with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) General Ali Akbar Ahmadian

Discussions focused on the “fruitful, constructive and positive” relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, continued Enayati.

They also tackled issues that concern the region and its security and stability, as well as support to the Palestinian cause, he remarked.

Prince Khalid traveled to Iran at the directives of the Saudi leadership. He handed Khamenei a written message from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He added that he discussed with Khamenei issues of common interest and bilateral relations between their countries.

Enayati stressed the need for Saudi Arabia and Iran to invest their major capabilities in developing relations.

Khamenei underscored the importance of Saudi-Iranian ties and the need for their continuity for the interests of all parties, the ambassador said.

Prince Khalid’s visit reflects the determination of both countries to develop and bolster their ties further.

The region, he stressed, needs solidarity between its nations, especially between Saudi Arabia and Iran, added Enayati.