Faisal bin Farhan: The UAE's withdrawal from Yemen strengthens relations
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the depth and strength of the strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, describing this alliance as the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East region. These remarks came during an official visit by His Highness to the Polish capital, Warsaw, where he highlighted the joint coordination between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in light of the rapidly evolving regional landscape.
In discussing the Yemeni file, a key area of bilateral cooperation, His Highness the Foreign Minister highlighted a crucial point regarding military arrangements, stating: “The UAE’s complete withdrawal of all its forces from Yemen is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the continued strength and continuity of the relationship.” This statement reflects the high level of understanding between the two leaderships, where military redeployment or withdrawal is viewed as part of an agreed-upon strategy to transition from military solutions to comprehensive diplomatic and political tracks.
Background of the Arab coalition and strategic shifts
To understand the implications of this statement, it is necessary to return to the historical context of the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, which was launched in March 2015 under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with the active participation of the United Arab Emirates. For years, the two countries have waged a joint battle to restore Yemeni state institutions and protect Arab national security from foreign interference. The talk of an Emirati withdrawal comes at a time when the Yemeni crisis is witnessing a qualitative shift towards de-escalation and the search for sustainable political solutions, which confirms that military decisions, whether to intervene or withdraw, are subject to precise strategic coordination that serves the higher interests of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The impact of stability on future visions
The importance of Saudi-Emirati coordination extends beyond the Yemeni issue to encompass regional security in its broadest sense. Stability in Yemen and securing the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab waterways are paramount for the success of ambitious development plans in the region, most notably Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s major economic projects. Transitioning to a phase of reconstruction and development requires a stable geopolitical environment, which both countries are working to achieve by aligning their political visions and resolving conflicts. This will enhance the region’s attractiveness to foreign investment and solidify its position as a global logistics and economic hub.
Dimensions of the visit to Warsaw
On the sidelines of these important statements, Prince Faisal bin Farhan held extensive talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Riyadh and Warsaw, particularly in the economic and investment sectors, as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its international partnerships. The two sides also discussed pressing international issues, including developments in the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of joint international action to promote dialogue and achieve international peace and security.
These active diplomatic moves by the Saudi Foreign Minister, whether in affirming the strength of the alliance with the UAE or in building bridges of cooperation with Europe, demonstrate the leading role that Saudi Arabia plays in shaping the regional and international political landscape, based on solid alliances and a clear vision for the future.
