Saudi Arabia’s positive diplomatic outreach in Yemen

From Yemen to India, passing through Iran and many other countries, Saudi diplomacy is currently showing considerable activity that reflects the rapid positive changes in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. Overall, the evidence suggests that Saudi Arabia places the Yemeni file at the forefront of its priorities. In this context, the recent unprecedented visit by an official Houthi delegation to Saudi Arabia since 2015 is a positive signal that Saudi Arabia is serious and has the initiative and determination that will provide its efforts with the opportunity for continuity and success.
It also indicates that dialogue between the two sides has entered a serious phase, based on the new regional geopolitical dynamics that offer a good opportunity to settle crises and resolve disputes among all parties.
These regional dynamics are linked to Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, which has shifted toward building bridges and establishing a regional and international network of relationships that support the country’s ambitions and its leadership in achieving Vision 2030. This vision includes major development plans and projects that will considerably transform Saudi Arabia and perhaps the entire region. Some of these dynamics are also related to an ongoing change, particularly the convergence in bilateral relations between the neighboring countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
This is a noteworthy strategic change that undoubtedly affects many related regional issues, including the Yemeni file, currently experiencing a period of calm paving the way for a political settlement of the crisis.
The recent visit by the Houthi delegation to Saudi Arabia was preceded by bilateral negotiations held under Omani mediation, as part of the Saudi initiative announced in March 2021. The aim of this initiative is to achieve a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen, as a prelude to reaching an acceptable political solution by all Yemeni parties.
In fact, this initiative reflects what can be described as the new Saudi approach to dealing with regional and international issues. Ultimately, it serves the interests of creating an environment conducive to realizing the ambitions of Saudi Arabia, which require a regional environment marked by security and stability. Saudi Arabia is continuously and diligently working across all sectors and fields, mobilizing all efforts, including diplomacy, to achieve these developmental aspirations. Some of these aspirations are beginning to materialize on the ground, as seen in the recent G20 summit held in India and the announcement of the new economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described this economic corridor as follows in his speech at the summit: “The economic corridor will serve our common interests by enhancing economic connectivity, which will have a positive impact on our partners from other countries and the global economy as a whole.”
The presence of the official Houthi delegation in Riyadh, following visits by Saudi delegations to Sanaa as part of direct bilateral dialogue, reflects one aspect of the seriousness of Saudi diplomacy and its desire to reach solutions and settlements to the crisis through direct dialogue mediated by Oman. This is especially important because the Yemeni crisis has become more complex due to internal divisions and conflicts, with profound effects and consequences on Yemen’s people. It is certain that addressing these effects is among the key issues discussed by both sides during the meeting.
Saudi Arabia has a strong political will aimed at achieving a qualitative breakthrough toward a permanent and comprehensive solution to the Yemeni crisis. This is because Yemen’s security and stability, and the start of a new phase of reconstruction and development in this Arab country, are of paramount importance, regardless of what Yemen’s parties may agree upon regarding solutions and political settlements. It will have a positive impact on the overall regional atmosphere and defuse a critical contentious issue between Riyadh and Tehran, both of which are heading toward opening a new chapter in bilateral relations focused on achieving mutual interests and benefits for both countries.
Undoubtedly, the regional thaw, especially concerning Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, is a valuable opportunity for resolving the Yemeni crisis. This perspective is supported by Omani mediation efforts to reach acceptable settlements from all parties involved. It is challenging matter, given the deep complexities that have surrounded Yemen’s issue in recent years. However, what is encouraging is Saudi intentions, supported by international efforts, including UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, as well as US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.
Omani mediation is also keen on clearing regional atmosphere and achieving security, peace, and stability, allowing region’s countries and their people to focus on development and reconstruction while avoiding any impact from conflicts and international polarization.
Saudi Arabia, leading the Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen, is not a party to the internal conflict. However, it is an influential regional and international actor in supporting international legitimacy in this country and creating necessary climate for crisis resolution. It paves the way for conflicting parties to build trust and open a new chapter through a permanent agreement that ends the crisis.
Certainly, shifting the crisis from its current impasse through a series of understandings and agreements on humanitarian, logistical, or security issues is a considerable breakthrough, opening the door to negotiation rounds that conclude with comprehensive political solutions.