Saudi Arabia has held consultations with ambassadors from European and African countries as the Kingdom seeks broader international support amid continuing Houthi attacks against its territory and civilian infrastructure. Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met the ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The discussions focused on the recent escalation involving missile and drone attacks against airports, economic facilities and other civilian locations. Saudi Arabia expressed concern over the growing threat to its security and regional stability, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens, residents and visitors. The meeting comes amid intensified military operations in Yemen and increasing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and international partners.
During the meeting, Elkhereiji strongly condemned the Houthi attacks, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as a violation of international humanitarian law. He accused the group of using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones against civilian and economic facilities, including locations associated with religious visitors and pilgrims.
The Saudi minister also reiterated that the Kingdom would take measures it considers legitimate to defend its territory and prevent further attacks. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Yemeni people and the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
The European and African ambassadors condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom in its efforts to safeguard national security and stability. However, the meeting produced no publicly announced military commitments or new security arrangements, and the ambassadors’ statements reflected diplomatic support rather than direct participation in ongoing operations.
The consultations highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen international diplomatic coordination as the conflict in Yemen continues to affect regional security. The recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation, economic infrastructure and transport networks, with implications extending beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
For European and African countries, developments in Yemen are also relevant to maritime security and commercial routes connecting the Red Sea with international markets. By engaging diplomats from both regions, Riyadh seeks to communicate its security concerns and encourage a broader international response to the escalation.
The meeting also reflects the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement alongside military measures, particularly as efforts continue to prevent further instability. While the ambassadors expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s security, the longer-term impact of these consultations will depend on whether they contribute to coordinated diplomatic initiatives and renewed efforts toward a political resolution of the Yemen conflict.
Anoush Taimur is an International Relations graduate from DHA Suffa University, Karachi, currently based in Doha. Her research interests include Gulf politics, small-state diplomacy, Global South studies and conflict
mediation. Her work examines how states create influence through connectivity, institutions and strategic relationships. She can be reached at [email protected]
