Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Saturday welcomed a request by Rashad al-Alimi, president of Yemen's internationally recognized government, for a comprehensive conference to discuss "just solutions" to the southern Yemen issue. In a statement released on US social media company X, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said its response to al-Alimi's request is based on the earlier statements, "which affirmed that it is a just cause that has historical and social dimensions, and that the only way to resolve it is through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen."

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry emphasized the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, noting the shared interests that necessitate cooperation under the current circumstances. Riyadh expressed its support for the request and urged all southern factions to participate actively in the conference to develop a comprehensive framework for addressing the southern cause and the legitimate aspirations of the southern people.

Yemen has experienced significant escalation since Tuesday, following the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces' takeover of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. These two provinces make up almost half of Yemen's territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the same day of 'pushing STC forces to carry out military operations' along the kingdom's southern border in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra, a claim that Abu Dhabi has denied. The STC argues that successive Yemeni governments have politically and economically marginalized southern regions, advocating for secession, while Yemeni authorities reject this claim and reaffirm their commitment to the country's unity.