The Saudi Government stated that the activities of the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, by supporting the military offensive of the Southern Transitional Council separatists, pose a threat to the national security of the Kingdom and the region. According to an announcement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, threats to its security are considered a red line, and therefore the Arab Kingdom will not hesitate to take necessary actions to confront them. The Saudi Government emphasised the importance of the United Arab Emirates responding to the Republic of Yemen’s request to withdraw its troops from the territory within 24 hours and to cease any form of military or financial support to any faction in Yemen. The Saudi statement directly accuses the actions of the United Arab Emirates, labelled as dangerous, following the attack of the Riyadh-led military coalition in the Yemeni port of Mukalla, where a shipment of military material related to the UAE destined for the CTS separatists was intercepted. According to the Saudi statement, the Riyadh government anticipates that reason will prevail and that the principles of brotherhood, good neighbourliness, and relations that bind the Gulf Cooperation Council nations will be prioritised. Additionally, it expects that the United Arab Emirates will take necessary actions to maintain and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The issue of Southern Yemen is a legitimate matter with historical and social backgrounds, and the only way to address it is through dialogue within a comprehensive political approach for Yemen, involving all Yemeni groups, including the Southern Transitional Council.
