Saudi Arabia has officially endorsed a proposal by Yemen's Presidential Council to establish a dialogue platform in Riyadh aimed at resolving longstanding tensions in southern Yemen. The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement early Saturday urging all southern factions to engage in the proposed forum, which seeks to develop equitable solutions for the region's political challenges.
This initiative marks the first major diplomatic effort in 2026 to address Yemen's complex southern question, where competing governance claims have persisted since 2015. Analysts suggest the Riyadh-mediated process could build on last year's fragile ceasefire agreements between Yemeni government forces and southern separatist groups.
The proposed forum aligns with Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to stabilize its southern neighbor, following its pivotal role in brokering the 2025 Aden power-sharing agreement. Observers note that successful implementation could strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea – a critical concern for global energy markets and Asian trade routes.
