Saudi Yemen Development Package Highlighted In Riyadh Talks Between Defence Minister And Yemeni Leadership Council

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh on Wednesday. Discussions focused on political efforts to end the Yemeni crisis, strengthen security and stability, and support an inclusive vision for Yemen’s future, including issues affecting southern governorates.

The talks also emphasized continued Saudi assistance through economic support and development projects to benefit the Yemeni people. Officials stressed that these initiatives aim to back Yemen’s institutions, improve living conditions across governorates, and assist current peace efforts while maintaining strong bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Participants reviewed developments in Yemen and ongoing moves toward a comprehensive political settlement. They reiterated support for a negotiated solution that secures long-term stability and ends the conflict. The meeting underlined the importance of the Riyadh conference on the southern cause, which seeks a broad, fair framework addressing southern political demands within a united Yemeni context.

Prince Khalid bin Salman confirmed that Saudi Arabia will continue backing Yemen in line with directives from the Saudi leadership. The minister highlighted plans for economic support and a package of development projects and programmes. These will be delivered through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen across multiple Yemeni governorates, with a focus on security, services, and infrastructure.

During the meeting, Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The minister also relayed the regards of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with their wishes for security, stability, and prosperity for Yemen and its people.

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi responded by expressing appreciation to the Saudi leadership and conveyed greetings in return. Both sides praised the fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. They noted that continued dialogue and cooperation remain vital to supporting peace tracks, easing the humanitarian situation, and backing Yemeni state institutions during the current crisis.

The meeting included several senior Yemeni figures, such as Presidential Leadership Council members Tariq Saleh, Abdul Rahman Al-Mahrami, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi Bawazeer, and Othman Mujalli. Yemeni Prime Minister Salem bin Braik and Minister of State and Governor of Aden Governorate Abdulrahman Al-Yafei also attended, reflecting wide Yemeni institutional representation in the discussions.

From the Saudi side, Advisor to the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif joined the meeting, along with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber and Major General Dr. Mohammed bin Obaid Al-Qahtani. The gathering concluded with agreement to maintain coordination as political efforts and development projects progress in Yemen.

With inputs from SPA