Mohammed Al-Ghaithi, a member of the Presidency of the Southern Transitional Council, praised the pivotal and strategic role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Yemeni file, particularly appreciating its generous sponsorship of the Southern Dialogue Conference, which represents a crucial step in the process of unifying the political components in the south.
In important press statements, Al-Ghaithi explained the details of his meeting with the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasizing the Southern Transitional Council's firm stance against any actions that could harm unity or disrupt efforts to restore stability. Al-Ghaithi stated, "We affirmed to the Saudi Ambassador our categorical rejection of anything that undermines unity, and we highly value the Kingdom's efforts in sponsoring the Southern Dialogue Conference. We also reiterate our full support for and absolute confidence in the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.".
The importance of the Southern Dialogue and the political context
These statements come at a crucial political juncture, as southern factions seek to forge a unified political vision through the Southern National Dialogue. Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of this dialogue is an extension of Riyadh's ongoing efforts, spanning years, to bridge the divide and unify the internal front in the face of shared challenges, from the Riyadh Agreement to the Riyadh consultations that led to the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council.
The Southern Dialogue is of paramount strategic importance, not only locally but also regionally. It aims to resolve the divisions among the various southern factions and reach a national charter of honor that guarantees partnership in decision-making. Observers believe that the success of this dialogue, with the support of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, is a fundamental pillar for establishing security and stability in the liberated governorates, which will positively impact regional security and international navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Strategic partnership and mutual commitments
Speaking about the outcomes of the meetings with the Saudi side, Al-Ghaithi indicated that there were deep understandings, saying, "We heard clear commitments from our brothers in Riyadh." This statement reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the Southern Transitional Council and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh acting as a key guarantor of the political process and a major supporter of development and relief efforts.
Al-Ghaithi's emphasis on "unity" carries clear political implications, indicating the need to set aside internal disputes and focus on the common enemy, the Houthi militias, as well as to strengthen state institutions to provide services to citizens. Saudi Arabia remains the most prominent player and primary supporter of these efforts, making coordination with it an indispensable strategic option for ensuring the success of any future political processes.
