Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A broad consultative meeting of southern Yemeni leaders, tribal sheikhs and community figures opened in Riyadh on Sunday, with participants expressing strong support for a Saudi-sponsored political dialogue as the preferred path to resolving the southern issue.

In a statement read by Presidential Leadership Council member Abu Zar’a Al-Muharrami, the participants said the meeting reflects a unified southern will representing leaders from across southern governorates and social segments, seeking “a just, safe and guaranteed solution” to the southern cause away from escalation or side conflicts that do not serve the south or its future.

The statement said participants had received clear assurances through direct meetings with Saudi officials that the Kingdom supports the legitimate demands of the southern people and backs a comprehensive political solution that guarantees dignity, security and stability, without preconditions or imposed political ceilings.

It added that this includes the right of southerners to determine their political future and exercise self-determination, including the restoration of a fully sovereign southern state.

Al-Muharrami described the Saudi-sponsored southern dialogue as a rare historic opportunity that should not be squandered through internal divisions or by antagonizing the Kingdom, warning that such actions would primarily serve forces hostile to the southern cause.

He said participants were explicitly assured that there would be no exclusion or marginalization of any southern party or individual, and that the process is based on broad partnership and responsible representation within the south.

The statement noted that since arriving in Riyadh, the delegation had experienced what it described as sincere welcome and tangible support for the southern cause, including positive engagement on urgent needs such as delayed salaries, living conditions and economic challenges.

It said Saudi Arabia had shown responsible and constructive interaction aimed at easing the suffering of southern citizens.

Al-Muharrami added that Saudi officials also confirmed continued support for southern forces responsible for security and defense, including the payment of full entitlements and enhanced support to strengthen their capabilities, in order to safeguard stability and prevent efforts to weaken the southern front.

Participants said economic support and development would be a cornerstone of the future partnership between the south and Saudi Arabia, describing the current engagement as a genuine starting point for a strategic future based on security, stability and development.

The statement stressed that Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in protecting the south from threats and remains a key partner in preserving its security and stability.

It identified the Houthis and other extremist groups as the primary threat facing the south, rejecting campaigns that question the Kingdom’s role or target southern military and security forces.

The meeting concluded by reaffirming commitment to managing the southern cause with a state-minded approach, urging southern citizens to express their aspirations responsibly and support the Saudi-sponsored dialogue as a secure political path toward restoring the southern state.

It also called on the international community to support this dialogue and respect southern aspirations as a realistic framework for peace and regional stability.