Saudi Arabia, US discuss efforts for political solution in Yemen

State Department says discussions also dwelt on a host of regional issues, including crisis in Lebanon

ANKARA:

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir held talks in Riyadh with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Yael Lempert, to discuss efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Yemen.

A statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the talks between the two diplomats took up regional and international developments.

The US Department of State said in a statement that the discussions, which were held on Monday, also dwelt on a host of regional issues, including the crisis in Lebanon.

A diplomatic crisis erupted between Lebanon and the Gulf states in October over criticism of the Yemen war by then Information Minister George Kordahi.

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Lempert’s visit to Saudi Arabia came amid attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia has been leading a military campaign against Houthi rebels since 2015, one year after the Iran-aligned rebels overran much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.

The eight-year conflict has created one of the world's worst man-made humanitarian crises, with nearly 80% of the country, or about 30 million people, in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.

More than 13 million are in danger of starvation, according to UN estimates.