RIYADH — The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council hailed on Thursday the fruitful meeting of the Council's Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi and members with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman. The Council noted the shared commitment to supporting the restoration of state institutions and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries at all levels. In its meeting, the Council expressed its profound gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, for their sincere and fraternal support of the Yemeni people. The Council also acknowledged the Kingdom's pivotal role in supporting Yemen's unity, security, and stability, and its leadership in efforts to de-escalate the conflict, protect civilians, and unify military and security decisions within the framework of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy. This, the Council stated, lays the foundation for a new phase of promising Saudi support for the Yemeni people in various fields. The meeting discussed recent developments in the country, in light of the successful handover of military camps in the governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahrah, the interim capital Aden, and the remaining liberated governorates, and the resulting political, security, and administrative implications. The Council commended the sovereign decisions taken to manage this phase, foremost among them the formation of a Supreme Military Committee under the leadership of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy. This committee is tasked with completing the unification of forces according to national and professional principles, ensuring the state's monopoly on decisions regarding war and peace, and enhancing readiness to confront challenges, particularly the Houthi threat supported by the Iranian regime. The Council commended the heroism of the armed forces and security forces, and the high level of discipline and professionalism they demonstrated in carrying out their national duties. It affirmed that the handover of military camps and the unification of security and military command represent a pivotal step towards consolidating the state's authority and legal standing, protecting civil peace, and safeguarding public rights and freedoms. Regarding the Southern issue, the Council affirmed the state's commitment to a just resolution of this legitimate cause through the planned South-South dialogue to be held in Riyadh under the generous auspices of Saudi Arabia. This dialogue will ensure comprehensive representation without exclusion or marginalization, restoring decision-making power to its rightful owners within the framework of the state and its sovereignty. The Council praised the unified stance of the international community in support of Yemen's unity and territorial integrity, and its rejection of any unilateral actions that could undermine state institutions or threaten regional security. It considered the state's regaining the initiative a valuable opportunity to advance the peace process, improve humanitarian and living conditions, strengthen partnerships in combating terrorism, and protect waterways. The Council reviewed reports on the latest developments in several governorates, particularly the urgent humanitarian and service needs and interventions in the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, and took the necessary measures. The Council stressed the importance of expediting the normalization of the situation in the liberated governorates, the return of the government and all state institutions to operate from within the country, and taking immediate measures to redress damages, care for the families of victims, treat the wounded, and strengthen the rule of law. The Council also adopted several decisions related to filling vacancies in the Council and improving service and administrative performance to meet citizens' aspirations and establish a new phase based on partnership and justice, on the path to restoring state institutions and defeating the Houthi coup.
