Saudi FM visits Oman amid reports of mediation in Yemen

MUSCAT, Oman

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Oman on Wednesday, amid reports about mediation efforts to resolve the military conflict in Yemen.

Bin Farhan was welcomed upon arrival by his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Oman News Agency reported.

According to the agency, the two ministers exchanged views on a host of regional and international issues and underlined the importance of the joint Gulf action.

Wednesday’s visit comes amid international pressure to reach a solution to the years-long conflict in Yemen.

Oman has pursued a neutral stance in many regional conflicts and maintains good relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have an office in Muscat. Observers believe that the Gulf state is seeking to mediate a solution to the conflict in Yemen.

On Monday, US Special Envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking visited Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour.

According to a statement by the US Department of State, the envoy is expected to meet with senior government officials in the region as well as UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths for discussions “on the United States’ dual-track approach to end the conflict in Yemen: a lasting political solution and humanitarian relief for the Yemeni people”.

Yemen has been engulfed by violence and instability since 2014, when Houthi rebels captured much of the country, including the capital Sanaa.

A Saudi-led coalition aimed at reinstating the Yemeni government has worsened the situation, causing one of the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crises with 233,000 people killed, nearly 80% or about 30 million needing humanitarian assistance and protection, and more than 13 million in danger of starving to death, according to UN estimates.

*Ibrahim Mukhtar in Ankara contributed to this report