Saudi Arabia, Yemen call for closer regional ties to counter Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia and Yemen have called for stronger regional cooperation to counteract Houthi attacks, according to recent developments. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia reiterated the kingdom's commitment to defending itself against any threats during his annual speech. He also announced the formation of a "Mecca Defence Pact" with Turkey and Pakistan to safeguard the region from conflict escalation, as well as the creation of a "multinational defensive maritime coalition" to protect international waterways.

The prince also addressed Israeli actions against Palestinian territories and violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, urging diplomacy to ease regional tensions.

Yemen's Foreign Minister, Afrah Abdulaziz al-Zouba, recently met with the Turkish embassy's charge d'affaires in Yemen, Amirullah Isler, to discuss regional developments and bolster ties between the two nations. The Turkish envoy affirmed Ankara's unwavering support for Yemen's government and emphasized the necessity of enhanced political and diplomatic coordination to counter Houthi threats to the Red Sea.