Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security, Condemns Houthi Attacks at Manama Dialogue

Manama, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional security, stability and diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts, while strongly condemning continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Speaking at the 22nd Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain during a session titled “The Consequences of Transformative Regional Conflict,” Al-Khereiji stressed the urgent need to contain regional crises and strengthen security and stability amid escalating conflicts and worsening humanitarian conditions.

He warned that regional instability could have serious repercussions for maritime security, global energy supplies and the international economy. He emphasized the importance of protecting countries and their populations while pursuing political settlements that address the underlying causes of conflicts and prevent their recurrence.

Al-Khereiji stated that Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is guided by the conviction that the Kingdom’s national security is closely interconnected with the stability of its regional neighbourhood. He underlined that sustainable peace remains essential for achieving development and prosperity across the region.

He said the Kingdom was strengthening its capabilities to safeguard its security and sovereignty in accordance with international law while intensifying diplomatic initiatives to resolve regional crises. These efforts, he noted, are based on respect for state sovereignty, good-neighbourly relations and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

“Saudi Arabia continues its diplomatic efforts, in coordination with brotherly nations and partners, to reduce escalation and resolve differences through peaceful means in a way that preserves the region’s security and stability,” he said.

Addressing the situation in Yemen, Al-Khereiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government and its efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement that safeguards Yemen’s unity, security and stability.

He strongly condemned the continued escalation by the Houthi militia against Yemen and its people, as well as attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, particularly those directed at civilian facilities and threats to maritime navigation.

The Saudi deputy foreign minister said the Houthi militia was undermining de-escalation initiatives and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Yemeni crisis through political means. He added that such actions were contributing to the expansion of the conflict and obstructing efforts to restore regional security and stability.

Highlighting the importance of strengthening national resilience against regional crises, Al-Khereiji said Saudi Arabia was working to enhance its defence capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and vital facilities, strengthen cybersecurity and ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services.

He added that these measures were being supported by closer coordination among Gulf countries and the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s defence partnerships.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Khereiji reaffirmed that, under the directives of its leadership, Saudi Arabia would continue working with regional and international partners to establish a regional security framework founded on stable states and just political settlements.

He emphasized that these collective efforts aim to safeguard the right of the region’s peoples to security, development and prosperity.