Saudi Arabia welcomes forming new Yemen govt in line with Riyadh Agreement

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the formation of a new government in Yemen following the implementation of the mechanism outlined in the Riyadh Agreement between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

In a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi foreign minister said: "We welcome the implementation by the Yemeni parties represented by the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council of the Riyadh Agreement, and the announcement of the formation of a government of political forces representing all sections of the Yemeni society."

The statement added: "We appreciate the Yemeni parties' keenness to advance Yemen's interest and achieve the aspirations of their people to restore the security and stability; considering the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement an important step toward achieving a political solution and ending the Yemeni crisis."

Pledging Saudi Arabia's support for the new government, the ministry said; "We affirm the generous directives from King Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense; Muhammad Bin Salman to continue all efforts to help Yemen achieve security, stability and prosperity.

Earlier in the day, Yemen's President Abd Rabbu Hadi approved the formation of a new government; headed by Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik, local media reported.

The move follows the completion of the measures related to the military component of the Riyadh Agreement.

Prime Minister Abdulmalik will also lead a 25-member Cabinet representing all sections of the Yemeni society except Houthis.

In the new Cabinet, veteran diplomat Ahmad bin Mubarak will also serve as Yemen's new foreign minister, and Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ali Al-Maqdashi will be Yemen's new defense minister. Al-Maqdashi was previously the chief of staff of Yemen's armed forces.