JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia's regional as well as global allies have welcomed the Kingdom's announcement of a new peace initiative to end the years-old war in Yemen. Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed the UAE's support for Saudi Arabia's initiative to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that the UAE fully supports this initiative, which is a valuable opportunity to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen and pave the way for a lasting political solution. He urged the international community to join efforts to ensure adherence to this initiative and the ceasefire by all parties. Moreover, the Emirati foreign minister praised the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia in implementing the Riyadh Agreement, forming the new Yemeni government, reaching a political solution, and accelerating efforts to end the Yemeni crisis, stressing the need to respond to this initiative and the solidarity and cooperation of Yemeni forces and prioritize the national interest. Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the UAE's full commitment to standing by the Yemeni people and supporting their legitimate aspirations for development, prosperity, peace, and stability. Bahrain also expressed its support for the Saudi initiative. In a statement, Bahrain's foreign ministry said that the country looks at Saudi Arabia's initiative as emanating from its keenness to stop the bloodshed and suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people and in support of the efforts of the UN and American envoys to Yemen to help them reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the internationally approved terms of reference represented in the GCC Initiative and the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Bahrain commends the honorable Saudi positions in support of Yemen, notably its constant endeavors to restore security and stability and its humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, the Bahraini ministry also said. The ministry added that Bahrain also hopes this good Saudi initiative would receive support and welcome from all Yemeni parties and the international community in order to end the war, restore peace and security in Yemen and achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for reconstruction, development and prosperity. The Bahraini foreign ministry affirmed the country's pride in and appreciation of the essential role of Saudi Arabia in maintaining regional security, peace and stability and protecting global interests in this vital strategic region. Kuwait also welcomed Saudi Arabia's initiative to end the crisis in Yemen and reach a comprehensive political agreement that includes a ceasefire under UN supervision, said the Kuwaiti foreign ministry. In a statement, the ministry called on the Yemeni parties to fully adhere to the initiative to reach the desired political solution according to the three agreed terms of reference The ministry also urged the international Society to support this initiative and launch a political process that ends the ongoing conflict in Yemen in a way that preserves its security and stability. The Gulf Cooperation Council also strongly backed the Saudi initiative. Secretary-General of the GCC, Nayef Al-Hajraf stressed that the initiative reflects the great keenness and sincere desire to end the Yemeni crisis, so that the Yemeni people of all sects enjoy security and stability, after years of war as a result of the Houthi militia's coup against legitimacy, and the continuation of Iranian interventions and support for these militias. Pakistan also welcomed the peace initiative announced by the Saudi foreign minister on Monday, offering a comprehensive roadmap including a ceasefire for a negotiated settlement of the Yemeni crisis. In a statement, the foreign ministry said that Pakistan considers this initiative a step in the right direction. We fully support Saudi efforts for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Yemen and stand in solidarity with the Kingdom. We urge all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a meaningful dialogue to end the hostilities in order to save thousands of innocent lives and ensure regional peace and stability.
