Indonesia voices support to Saudi Arabia over Yemeni dialogue

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia on Wednesday voiced support to Saudi Arabia over Yemeni conference in Riyadh.

"Indonesia is closely monitoring recent developments in the Republic of Yemen, particularly the dynamics in southern Yemen, and calls on all concerned parties to engage constructively, exercise restraint, and prioritize an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue in resolving differences," a statement from the Foreign Ministry said on the US social media company X.

"In pursuit of a just and peaceful solution regarding southern Yemen, Indonesia welcomes the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate the convening of a comprehensive conference in Riyadh that will bring together all southern Yemen’s factions," it added.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday invited all southern Yemeni factions to take part in a conference it plans to host to develop a comprehensive vision for resolving Yemen’s southern issue.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces captured Hadhramaut and al-Mahra in eastern Yemen last month, but government forces on Sunday reclaimed full control of the two regions, which account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.

Last week, Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of “pushing STC forces to carry out military operations” along the kingdom’s southern border in Hadhramaut and Mahra. Abu Dhabi denied the accusation.

The STC says successive Yemeni governments have marginalized southern regions politically and economically and calls for secession. Yemeni authorities reject the claim and reaffirm their commitment to the country’s unity.