Saudi crown prince, US national security adviser discussed Yemen peace plan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has discussed the Kingdom’s initiative to end the Yemen conflict with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
During a meeting in Riyadh on Monday, the crown prince said the peace plan includes a comprehensive cease-fire under UN supervision, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The initiative supports a UN proposal to allow ships carrying oil derivatives into Hodeidah port and opening Sanaa international airport to flights to and from selected locations, in addition to the current humanitarian flights.
It includes starting negotiations between the Yemeni parties to reach a political solution to the seven-year conflict, Prince Mohammed added.
Sullivan said the US had an “iron-clad” commitment to support the Kingdom in defending its territory against all threats, including Iranian-backed missile and drone attacks.
He said President Joe Biden endorsed the Saudi goal of advancing a durable political solution and end the Yemeni conflict.
The two countries urged intensive diplomatic engagements in pursuit of that goal and emphasized the importance of the Houthis’ participating in good faith in political talks with the Yemeni government under the auspices of the UN.
They also discussed means to strengthen their strategic relations in all fields and other regional issues.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Saudi interior minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, deputy defense minister, and US envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking.

Sullivan also met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Tuesday, as part of his regional tour, where they discussed the UAE-US strategic ties and ways of developing and strengthening them across various sectors.