UAE, Saudi Arabia issue statement on Yemen

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have welcomed the response by the legitimate government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to their calls for dialogue.

According to the national news agency WAM, the two countries say "major and positive step" have been taken towards ending the recent crisis in certain governorates in Yemen.

They say they've been working closely with various parties in the country to implement a ceasefire in preparation for talks that aim to end the conflict.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have also called for an immediate end to all armed confrontations and violations, including the targeting of public and private property.