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Intra-Yemeni Talks in Riyadh Restore Hope for Yemen Exiting Current Situation

A view shows vehicles driving on a street in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters
A view shows vehicles driving on a street in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters
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Intra-Yemeni Talks in Riyadh Restore Hope for Yemen Exiting Current Situation

A view shows vehicles driving on a street in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters
A view shows vehicles driving on a street in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters

Sarhan Al-Munikher, head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) mission to Yemen, considered all solutions open to Yemenis to decide the fate of their country and get out of the current situation.

Meanwhile, Southern Transitional Council (STC) commander Maj. Gen. Salem al-Soctori reaffirmed that the GCC-sponsored intra-Yemeni talks represent hope for peace in Yemen.

“The Yemeni consultations have no choice but to succeed, and it is not impossible to overcome the challenges in the Yemeni scene with the support of the GCC states,” Al-Munikher told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Intra-Yemeni talks kickstarted last Wednesday, with the participation of more than 800 Yemeni representatives, and the presence of the UN, US and Swedish envoys to Yemen, as well as Western and Arab ambassadors.

“Whoever knows the Yemenis, realizes that they are advancing and surpassing themselves, and we are concerned with providing this platform, enabling them to talk to each other, leaving all solutions open,” noted Al-Munikher.

“These consultations may establish a specific mechanism to get Yemen out of its current situation, and form teams to follow up on what is being agreed upon by Yemenis through the talks,” he added, highlighting that the GCC would provide support to the outcomes.

According to Al-Munikher, this backing would aid in saving Yemen and ensuring a decent life and a stable country for all Yemenis.

The GCC ambassador explained that the second day of Yemeni consultations in Riyadh was devoted to exploring the current situation in Yemen, in all issues and axes, by dialogue panelists.

Intra-Yemeni talks tackled six axes with political, economic and development, relief, and humanitarian, social, and media aspects.

Al-Munikher stressed that “these axes were chosen by the Yemenis themselves, because they are the most aware of the problems that lie among them and are most eligible to propose the best solutions to them.”

“That is why the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations were called, to come up with a Yemeni roadmap and push for a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in the country,” he explained.

“The idea of these consultations is to give a platform to the Yemeni people to meet with each other after a break of years,” said Al-Munikher, adding that the GCC was keen to offer the invitation and gather all Yemeni parties under one roof.

Meanwhile, STC’s al-Soctori stressed that intra-Yemeni consultations in Riyadh constitute a key chapter in the history of the conflict.

“The invitation of the GCC is appreciated and it offers a great hope for the country to come out of the crisis and bring about peace in the next stage,” al-Soctori told Asharq Al-Awsat.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.