The Kingdom welcomes the holding of the Southern Components Conference in Riyadh at the request of Yemen

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced its official welcome of the request by the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, to hold a comprehensive conference in the capital, Riyadh, bringing together all southern political components and groups, with the aim of sitting at the dialogue table and discussing fair and equitable solutions to the southern issue.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in an official statement that this step comes in response to a Yemeni request and stems from the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen. The statement referred to the points raised in the Ministry's previous statement dated December 30, 2015, which affirmed that the Southern issue is a just cause with deep historical and social dimensions, emphasizing that the only way to address it lies in constructive dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

Historical context and strategic importance

This call comes at a crucial time for the Yemeni issue, as the "Southern Question" is a cornerstone of the equation for peace and stability in Yemen. The roots of this issue extend back to the period following Yemeni unification in 1990 and the subsequent political and military events, most notably the 1994 civil war, which left behind a legacy of political and social grievances that led to the emergence of the peaceful Southern Movement in 2007, culminating in the formation of influential southern political entities in the current landscape.

Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Yemeni factions, having previously sponsored the 2019 Riyadh Agreement, which aimed to unify the ranks of the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council to confront shared challenges. The upcoming conference is a continuation of these Saudi diplomatic efforts to unify the Yemeni domestic front under the umbrella of the Presidential Leadership Council.

Aspirations towards a comprehensive solution

The Kingdom called on all southern factions to participate actively and constructively in this conference, affirming its commitment to providing a conducive environment for the success of the dialogue. Observers believe that the success of this conference will constitute a pivotal turning point in the Yemeni crisis, as it will contribute to formulating a unified southern vision that supports international and UN peace efforts and fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the people of the south, thus enhancing the chances of reaching a comprehensive political settlement that ends the conflict in Yemen and ensures its stability and prosperity.