UAE and Saudi Arabia committed to finding peaceful solution to Yemen war

Dialogue is the only way to end the crisis, UAE official says

Jaber Al Lamki, Executive Director of Media and Strategic Communications wrote about the issue on Twitter. Satish Kumar for the National

The UAE reiterated on Thursday its commitment alongside Saudi Arabia to finding a peaceful and equitable solution to the crisis in Yemen.

The Arab Coalition has been fighting for the internationally-recognised Yemeni government against the Houthi rebels since 2015.

"The partnership between KSA and the UAE has been a guarantor against the overthrow of the legitimate and democratic government of Yemen," Jaber Al Lamki, executive director of strategic communications at the UAE’s National Media Council said.

“Now that the Houthis movement has been pushed back, it is necessary to find a peaceful solution to the conflict," he said on Twitter.

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi released a joint statement on Monday that said forces belonging to the Arab Coalition had made great sacrifices in Yemen and both countries sought to preserve Yemen under the leadership of the internationally recognised government of Yemen.

"Dialogue is the only way forward for Yemen. The Coalition wholeheartedly supports any negotiations towards this end," Mr Al Lamki said.

The UAE will continue to address terrorist threats and will prevent the re-emergence of active Al Qaeda and ISIS cells in the country, he said.

"The Coalition remains committed to supporting reforms in the legitimate government, tackling corruption, encouraging inclusiveness towards to all Yemeni factions, in order to ensure representation of all Yemenis in the future of the country," Mr Al Lamki said.

The officials cautioned that it is up to the Yemenis to resolve the conflict and the international community must spare no efforts in their support of a peaceful resolution.

"It is incumbent on Yemenis to come together at the negotiating table and create a path forward for the whole country," he said.

The statement comes as the Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia's Abha airport with a missile on Wednesday night.

Col Turki Al Malki, the official spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, confirmed to the Saudi Press Agency that the missile struck the airport, but said no injuries had been reported.

The Iranian-backed rebels have increased drone and missile attacks on the Kingdom in recent months.