Rubio: talks to Saudi and UAE authorities on Yemen
Rubio: According to official US readouts, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with the senior diplomats of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the worsening situation in Yemen and more general issues impacting regional security and stability.
Rubio’s first call was with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign minister and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. The State Department stated in a short readout credited to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott that the two leaders talked about the Yemeni situation as well as broader concerns affecting security and stability in the Middle East.
The discussion took place in the midst of ongoing worldwide worry over Yemen’s precarious security situation and its effects on the larger region, especially maritime security and commerce routes.
Rubio spoke separately with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud later that day. According to a second State Department readout, also credited to Pigott, the two spoke about the continued difficulties in Yemen and shared opinions on matters impacting regional security and stability.
As the Yemeni crisis continues to threaten regional security, the consecutive calls highlight Washington’s continued diplomatic engagement with important Gulf allies.
In attempts to handle the crisis and its repercussions, such as shipping threats and wider security issues across the Middle East, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have both played key roles.
In order to manage tensions and promote stability, US officials have emphasized again and again how crucial it is to work closely with regional allies, especially in light of the increased instability in many Middle Eastern countries.
Fighting between Houthi troops and a coalition headed by Saudi Arabia has been a major factor in Yemen’s more than ten-year war, which the UN has called one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in history.
Tensions have remained despite sporadic diplomatic attempts and periods of decreased violence, which has raised questions about regional security and the safety of important maritime passages.
In addition to tackling more general security issues in the Middle East connected to the war, the United States has continued to be involved in diplomatic efforts pertaining to Yemen, collaborating with regional allies and international stakeholders to encourage de-escalation and a negotiated political solution.