A handout picture released by the Huthi-affiliated branch of the Yemeni News Agency SABA on April 9, 2023, shows the Huthi group's political leader Mahdi al-Mashat (left) welcoming the Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber and a delegation in Sanaa. (PHOTO / SABA / AFP)
ADEN, Yemen — The Yemeni government on Saturday welcomed Saudi Arabia's efforts to revitalize the peace process in the conflict-ridden Arab country after the recent visit of a Saudi diplomatic delegation to Yemen's Sanaa.
In a brief press statement, the Yemeni ministry commended "the continuous efforts of Saudi Arabia in alleviating human suffering and reinvigorating the peace process in Yemen."
Saudi representatives, along with Omani mediators, visited the Houthi-held capital of Sanaa on April 8 with the aim of discussing the cessation of the ongoing eight-year civil war in Yemen
The Yemeni government reiterated its outright support for the initiatives of Saudi Arabia, as well as other regional and international efforts that seek to halt the years-long war, and establish a fair and lasting peace, according to the statement.
The ministry emphasized that the Yemeni government is determined to alleviate the plight of its people and actively support any peace-building initiatives. It also highlighted "the urgent need to halt the Houthi militia's aggression against the Yemeni people, which has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis."
Saudi representatives, along with Omani mediators, visited the Houthi-held capital of Sanaa on April 8 with the aim of discussing the cessation of the ongoing eight-year civil war in Yemen.
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Over the course of six days, they engaged in closed-door talks with high-ranking Houthi leaders to explore potential solutions for resolving the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia's state news agency (SPA) confirmed that the Saudi delegation discussed with Houthi leaders humanitarian issues, prisoner releases, ceasefires and a comprehensive political solution.
The Saudi-Houthi discussions were transparent, positive, and constructive, according to SPA. "Due to the need for further discussions, these engagements will resume as soon as possible, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen that is accepted by all Yemeni parties."
Yemen has been embroiled in a years-long military conflict after the Houthi rebel militia, backed by Iran, took control of several northern cities and ousted the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from the capital, Sanaa in 2014.
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The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties and has pushed the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, including widespread famine.