The Jordanian government expressed its strong welcome and full support on Saturday for the call by the head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen to hold a comprehensive conference in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This anticipated conference aims to bring together all political and social groups in southern Yemen at a single negotiating table to discuss ways to address the southern issue on a just and consensual basis.
Amman considered this step a positive and pivotal turning point in the Yemeni crisis, one that would end tensions and military escalation, and establish dialogue and diplomacy as the only alternative to conflict. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's swift response in hosting this conference, reflecting Riyadh's leading and ongoing role in supporting efforts to achieve security and stability in the sisterly Republic of Yemen.
A call for calm and prioritizing the national interest
In a related context, Ambassador Fouad Majali, the official spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's firm and consistent position calling for de-escalation and a halt to all forms of escalation. Majali stressed the necessity of addressing outstanding issues among the Yemeni brothers through understanding and constructive dialogue, in order to reach consensual political solutions that guarantee Yemen's best interests, preserve its territorial integrity and social fabric, and fulfill the aspirations of the Yemeni people to live in dignity and security.
The context of the crisis and the importance of unifying ranks
This invitation comes at a highly sensitive time for the Yemeni situation, as the legitimate government and the Presidential Leadership Council – formed in April 2022 – seek to unify the domestic front to confront political, economic, and security challenges. The "Southern Issue" is one of the most complex files requiring a fundamental solution to ensure the stability of state institutions. This conference is seen as a continuation of the efforts of the previous "Riyadh Agreement," which aimed to bridge the gap between southern factions and the legitimate government.
Regional and international dimensions of the conference
The importance of this conference extends beyond Yemen's domestic affairs to encompass regional stability in the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea. Unifying the southern factions under a single legitimate umbrella, with the support of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, strengthens the prospects for achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in Yemen. Observers emphasize that the success of this conference will thwart foreign interference aimed at fueling divisions and will bolster the Yemeni government's position in any future comprehensive peace negotiations to end the years-long war.
