ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani foreign office said on Thursday the South Asian nation welcomed “positive outcomes” of a recent dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, aimed at charting a roadmap for peace in Yemen.

Yemen is in the eighth year of a civil war between the government and Houthi rebels that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and a severe humanitarian crisis.

A peace dialogue took place in Riyadh from September 14 to 18 during which the Saudi communication and coordination team engaged with a group from the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, while an Omani delegation also participated. The talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process.

“Pakistan welcomes the positive outcome of the dialogue, held in Riyadh from 14 to 18 September 2023, between the officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at achieving a road map for the peace process in Yemen,” a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs said. 

Pakistan also commended the Saudi-led effort to facilitate dialogue between the Saudi defense minister and the Sana’a delegation, stating that it demonstrated the Kingdom’s “positive intentions,” guided by its leadership.

“Pakistan reiterates its principled support for a political solution to the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and consultation,” the statement added.