The Southern Consultative Meeting, which aims to address outstanding issues in southern Yemen, specifically the files of the South and Hadhramaut, began today, Sunday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in a step aimed at unifying ranks and strengthening political and security stability in the liberated areas.
In press statements accompanying the event, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member Abu Zara'a al-Mahrami affirmed that the atmosphere surrounding the consultations was extremely positive. Al-Mahrami stated, "Since the participants in the dialogue arrived in Riyadh, we have witnessed positive and tangible Saudi support," noting that this support extends beyond the political sphere to include security and economic aspects.
Al-Mahrami added that the leadership received assurances of continued support for the Southern Forces, which play a pivotal role in maintaining security and combating terrorism, in addition to their steadfastness on the front lines. He emphasized that the economic support provided underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between the South and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, explaining that "dialogue and the political process are our strategic choice for restoring the state of South Yemen and achieving the aspirations of the southern people.".
Political context and historical background
These consultations come at a sensitive time for the Yemeni conflict, as the various actors within the Presidential Leadership Council, formed in April 2022 under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council, seek to unify the visions of the different southern factions. The issue of Hadramawt is of particular importance due to its geographical location and resources, making consensus on its administrative and political status a crucial component of any future settlement.
These moves are an extension of the outcomes of the "Riyadh Agreement" and previous Riyadh consultations, which focused on bridging the gap between the Yemeni components opposed to the Houthis, and directing the compass towards restoring state institutions and improving the living conditions of citizens that have been severely affected by the years of war.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
This southern dialogue carries strategic implications that extend beyond the local level; the stability of southern Yemen is a cornerstone of regional security, particularly the security of international waterways in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Observers believe that Saudi Arabia's success in sponsoring this dialogue strengthens the chances of reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, as unifying the southern front is a prerequisite for any final peace negotiations.
On the economic front, the success of these consultations is directly linked to the improvement of the local currency exchange rate and the flow of services. Al-Mahrami pointed out that the political path sponsored by the Kingdom is the guarantor of maintaining security and stability, which creates the appropriate environment for economic recovery and reconstruction in the southern governorates.
