TheNational.ae: US and Saudi Arabia discuss permanent solution to Yemen crisis

WASHINGTON // The United States and Saudi Arabia will discuss how to forge a lasting ceasefire and political solution in Yemen, said president Barack Obama yesterday ahead of bilateral talks at the White House.

Mr Obama also praised Riyadh for being a crucial ally in the fight against ISIL extremists, and said the “longstanding relationship” with Saudi Arabia – particularly on counter-terrorism – has been “absolutely critical, not only to maintaining stability in the region but also protecting the American people”.

Mr Obama was speaking ahead of his meeting with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir, at the White House.

The meeting “gives us an opportunity to discuss some of the bilateral issues, including the crisis in Yemen and how we can build on the ceasefire that’s been established to restore a process for an inclusive, legitimate government inside of Yemen”, he said.

“I’m sure that we’ll have opportunities to discuss as well the progress that’s been made in the fight against ISIL in Iraq, as well as the continuing crisis in Syria, and the importance of us addressing not only the humanitarian crisis but the need to bring about a more inclusive and legitimate government there,” he said, adding that Riyadh is “a critical part” of the anti-ISIL coalition.

The bilateral talks will be followed by a White House dinner with delegations from all GCC countries and a day-long summit on Thursday at Camp David where Gulf leaders will seek security assurances over US-led nuclear talks with Iran.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, speaking through a translator, said Saudi Arabia gives “great importance to the strategic and historic relationship between our two countries”.

“We look forward, God willing, to working with you to overcome the challenges and bring about calm and stability to the region,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman pledged to double the kingdom’s aid to Yemen to US$540 million (Dh1,985m), as the five-day “humanitarian pause” in the Riyadh-led bombing campaign against Houthi forces and their allies began.

According to the official Saudi Press Agency, the kingdom will set aside $266m for aid and humanitarian operations, in addition to the $274m Riyadh pledged last month when the United Nations made an emergency appeal for humanitarian assistance.

Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners from the Gulf and other Arab countries have carried out seven weeks of aerial bombardment of Iranian-linked Houthis and allied forces tied to former ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The Shiite rebels, who have seized control of much of the country, are fighting against Saudi-backed Yemeni forces for control of the southern port city of Aden, where president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi’s government was based until his exile to Saudi Arabia.

But the air campaign has not yet managed to dislodge the Houthis or roll back their territorial gains, and Yemenis are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with civilian casualties mounting and a shortage of food, fuel and other basic necessities.

How to bring about an end to the war in Yemen will be one of the issues discussed at Camp David on Thursday.

White House officials said earlier this week that there will be announcements of greater US-GCC cooperation on confronting asymmetric threats posed by Iran to shipping lanes, cyber security and critical Gulf energy infrastructure.

Washington will also announce new military exercises and plans to further integrate GCC missile and air defences against Iranian conventional weapons.

They hope these concrete steps will help the White House bolster the larger symbolic message the summit is intended to send: that the US is committed to Gulf security and is not tilting towards Iran.