Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with US envoy to Yemen Timothy Lenderking in the capital Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in Yemen and exchanged views on issues of common concern.

Al-Jubeir also briefed Lenderking on the Kingdom’s efforts toward supporting humanitarian operations in Yemen.

Newly-appointed veteran diplomat Lenderking began a regional tour on Monday that will take him to several Gulf countries where he will meet with senior government officials and UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths.

“Lenderking’s discussions will focus on the United States’ dual-track approach to end the conflict in Yemen: a lasting political solution and humanitarian relief for the Yemeni people,” the State Department said.

Meanwhile, Nayef Al-Hajraf, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met with Griffiths in Riyadh.
Al-Hajraf emphasized the GCC’s firm position in supporting Yemen and strengthening security and stability throughout its territories.

He also said the bloc also supports the “efforts of the Yemeni government, which is carrying out its work from Aden despite all the challenges.”

During the meeting, Al-Hajraf was briefed on the “efforts of the UN envoy and the international community toward pushing the political path to solve the Yemeni crisis, and the need for all parties to respond to those efforts for the good of Yemen and its people,” the GCC said in a statement.

The two sides also discussed the importance of the international community pressuring the Houthi militia to stop its attack on Marib and targeting civilians and camps.

The Iran-backed Houthis launched an offensive on oil-rich Marib this month, despite international calls to stop, which threatens catastrophe for civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering in desolate camps in the region.

They also agreed on the need to allow a technical team to inspect the Safer oil tanker that has been moored in the Red Sea north of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, in order to avoid an imminent economic and environmental disaster.

“The two sides reviewed efforts to support Yemen, to achieve the aspirations of the Yemeni people in various fields, and to work to enhance security and stability for Yemen and its people,” the statement added.