Saudi Arabia said it hopes to maintain “strong, positive” relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the kingdom’s foreign minister said on Monday. However, he stressed that future ties depend on Abu Dhabi’s complete withdrawal from Yemen.
Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said Riyadh was “always keen” to have a “strong, positive relationship with the UAE”.
“The UAE has now decided to leave Yemen, and I think if that indeed is the case and the UAE has completely left the issue of Yemen, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia will take responsibility,” he said.
He added that this step could serve as a foundation for keeping bilateral relations strong. He said the relationship should continue to support the interests of both countries and the wider region.
Tensions between the two countries over Yemen escalated publicly after UAE-backed separatists seized large areas late last year. The developments included territory along the Saudi border, which angered Riyadh.
Last month, the UAE sought to ease tensions by announcing the immediate withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen. The move came after Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on the Mukalla port and backed calls for UAE forces to leave within 24 hours.
The withdrawal followed a rise in diplomatic tensions. It was driven by the Saudi strikes and allegations that two UAE ships delivered weapons to separatist forces.