Saudi Arabia Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud voiced optimism regarding the peace talks with the Sanaa delegation aimed at reaching a resolution to the long-standing war.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister said he had a meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh, during which the two sides tackled efforts to facilitate the "peace process in Yemen."

He further stressed that Saudi Arabia stands firmly behind Yemen and reiterated the Kingdom's dedication to facilitating dialogue among all involved parties, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive political resolution under the supervision of the United Nations.

Met the Sanaa delegation visiting Riyadh to continue efforts supporting the peace process in Yemen. I emphasized the Kingdom's support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision. pic.twitter.com/UNNf1NTZgz

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) September 19, 2023

It is worth noting that the Sanaa delegation returned to Yemen following 5-day talks in Riyadh on Tuesday. The delegation was expected to continue the consultations that took place in Sanaa and Muscat, with the most recent talks held in the holy month of Ramadan.

'Serious and positive talks'

On his part, the head of the Sanaa delegation Mohammad Abdul Salam said they "held intensive meetings with the Saudi side, during which it discussed some options and alternatives to overcome the [contended issues] that stopped [negotiations] at the previous round" and confirmed that "the delegation will raise them to [Sanaa's] leadership for consultation."

He also praised "the efforts being made by the brothers in the Sultanate of Oman to support peace and end the humanitarian crisis" in Yemen.

Abdul Salam said these negotiations aim to "help speed up the employees' access to their salary, and address the humanitarian situation that the Yemeni people are suffering from," in order to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable solution.

Meanwhile, a member of the Political Bureau of the Ansar Allah movement Ali al-Qahoum described the talks in Riyadh as serious and positive.

The Minister of Information in the Sanaa government, Daifallah al-Shami, confirmed last Friday to Al Mayadeen that the Sanaa delegation's visit to Riyadh was not due to a Saudi invitation, but rather through Omani mediation.

Al-Shami indicated that the visit to Riyadh was a gesture of goodwill by Sanaa.

He pointed out that the Saudis were informed before the delegation's visit to Riyadh that this round of negotiations, which was held in Muscat, could be the last.

Al-Shami revealed that the circumstances surrounding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Muscat indicate that he was the one who asked Oman to take the initiative regarding the Sanaa delegation's visit to Riyadh.

The Yemeni Minister pointed out that Saudi Arabia is trying to present itself as a mediator in the Yemen war, but this will not succeed, because Riyadh continues to lead the aggression against its neighbor.

He underlined that Sanaa will not allow for humanitarian issues to be sidelined during negotiations, noting that Saudi Arabia holds the key to ending the war on Yemen.

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