Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed the United States’ commitment to supporting the Kingdom in defending its sovereignty to confronting threats targeting it.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry made the statement late Thursday in response to US President Joe Biden’s speech outlining his foreign policies.

‏”The Kingdom reiterates its firm stance in supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in the statement.

“The Kingdom welcomes the United States' position underscoring the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Yemen, including the efforts of the United Nations Yemen Envoy, Martin Griffiths.”

The ministry also said that the Kingdom has undertaken several important steps to improve the chances of advancing the political track, including the Coalition’s unilateral cease-fire declaration, in response to the UN secretary general’s call.

“The Kingdom looks forward to working closely with President Biden's administration and with the US Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, the United Nations, all Yemeni parties and the members of the Coalition, in the hope of reaching a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2216, the GCC Initiative and the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue,” the ministry added in the statement.

The Kingdom will continue its efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly people of Yemen. The Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance has surpassed $17 billion in the past few years alone, and the Kingdom calls on all friendly nations and international organizations to intensify their humanitarian and relief assistance to the Yemeni people, the Saudi foreign ministry noted.

"Saudi Arabia also looks forward to the continuation and strengthening its cooperation and coordination with the US to address regional challenges, including advancing the Middle East peace process, resolving conflicts and promoting stability in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel countries as well as confronting terrorism and extremism,” the foreign ministry statement read.

"The Kingdom in partnership with the US also seeks to address the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and work, along with the G-20, toward stabilizing international energy and financial markets and strengthening cooperation in the area of environmental protection, to advance our shared interests and to promote peace and stability in the region and the world," the statement concluded.

In response to Biden's remarks on Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan tweeted, saying: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the United States’ commitment, expressed in President Biden’s speech today, to cooperate with the Kingdom in defending its security and territory."

"We look forward to working with Tim Lenderking to achieve our joint goal of a comprehensive political resolution in Yemen as part of our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous region."

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman also welcomed the US commitment to help the Kingdom defend its borders.

In a series of tweets, Prince Khalid said: “We welcome President Biden’s stated commitment to work with friends and allies to resolve conflicts and deal with attacks from Iran & its proxies in the region. As we have for over 7 decades, we look forward to working with our friends in the US on addressing these challenges.”

“We welcome the appointment of Mr. Timothy Lenderking as a special US envoy for Yemen. We look forward to continuing working with our American partners to alleviate the humanitarian situation and find a solution to the Yemen crisis, and ensure peace and stability in brotherly Yemen,” he added in his tweet.

“Even before the Iran-backed Houthi militants overthrew the government of Yemen in 2014, the Kingdom has spared no effort in finding a sustainable political resolution to the conflict, including the GCC initiative, the Kuwait talks, and numerous other UN-brokered peace talks.”

The Saudi deputy defense minister also said: “The Kingdom is proud to be the number one supporter of Yemen through humanitarian and other assistance, we will continue to work with our allies towards alleviating the humanitarian situation, and implementing a sustainable political settlement.”