Saudi Arabia welcomes the prisoner exchange agreement in Yemen: Details of the Muscat agreement
Saudi Arabia today welcomed the important agreement signed in the Omani capital, Muscat, which stipulates the exchange of prisoners and detainees between the Yemeni parties, in a move that Riyadh described as "humanitarian par excellence" and a fundamental pillar for building trust that has been lost for years.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement commending the tireless efforts and sincere endeavors of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman in hosting and sponsoring the intensive rounds of negotiations that took place from December 9 to 23, 2025. The Ministry affirmed that this diplomatic success reflects Muscat's pivotal role in bridging differences and supporting regional stability.
The importance of the humanitarian file in the Yemeni crisis
The issue of prisoners and detainees is one of the most complex and sensitive in Yemen, affecting the lives of thousands of families awaiting the return of their loved ones. This agreement represents a genuine glimmer of hope for alleviating the humanitarian suffering caused by years of conflict. International observers have long considered progress on the prisoner exchange a key indicator of the parties' commitment to moving towards a comprehensive political settlement.
The importance of this breakthrough lies in the fact that it paves the way for discussing more complex issues, as previous experiences have proven that the success of exchange operations enhances the chances of military de-escalation and opens direct and effective communication channels between the parties, which positively impacts the economic and living conditions of the Yemeni citizen.
Praise for the UN and international role
In a related context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commended the logistical and political efforts made by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen, in addition to the vital role of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which usually undertakes the executive and logistical supervision of the transfer and exchange operations, ensuring the safety of the procedures and their compliance with international humanitarian law.
Towards sustainable regional stability
In its concluding statement, the Kingdom reiterated its firm and unwavering support for all efforts aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis through political solutions that guarantee security and stability and fulfill the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for development and prosperity. This Saudi welcome is consistent with the Kingdom's vision of promoting peace in the region and resolving regional problems, thus creating a conducive environment for economic cooperation and integration among the countries of the region.
Analysts believe that the success of the Muscat agreement could be the cornerstone for a new phase of negotiations that may lead to a comprehensive ceasefire, confirming that diplomatic solutions and dialogue are the only way to end intractable conflicts.
