Saudi Defense Minister Invites UAE VP Amid Houthi Pressure
Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has invited UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, amid increasing pressure from the Iran-backed Houthi group.
The invitation comes as Saudi faces a series of attacks by the Houthis, including strikes targeting tankers, oil facilities, airports, and areas around the capital. The kingdom has been trying to rally international support to confront the Houthis, but it's unclear if this request extends to the UAE.
The visit marks the first publicly announced face-to-face meeting between senior officials of the two countries since their differences over Yemen became public. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have backed different approaches in Yemen, leading to friction between the two Gulf neighbors. However, recent signs suggest an easing of tensions, with coordinated messages from senior officials stressing friendship and unity.