UN chief lauds Saudi Arabia for peace efforts in Yemen

Riyadh: The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on the phone on Thursday and extended his gratitude for the nation's efforts to bring a truce between the Yemen administration and the Houthis, Arab News reported citing Saudi Press Agency.

Guterres also lauded the Kingdom's relentless efforts to find a political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

After, Guterres and prince Mohammed talked about the ongoing regional and international happenings and the UN's work on them.

Last month, the Gulf Cooperation Council invited all Yemeni political, tribal and religious leaders, journalists, activists, economists and the heads of nongovernmental organizations to join talks in Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh. The unprecedented meeting was called to introduce and table apt solution for Yemen's crisis. The talks were attended by all the invitees, except the Houthis, who are backed by Iran.

The talks had, however, successfully formed a Presidential Leadership Council, membered by eight people and led by Rashad Al-Alimi. It is also comprised of Yemeni leaders who represent different parties, including the separatists and Saleh's supporters.

On April 7, former President of Yemen Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi had transferred the nation's power to the new council and burdened it to run the country as well as negotiate with the Houthis.