Two Saudi deputy ministers met separately with the embassies of Jordan and Venezuela in Riyadh. The first meeting’s discussions focused on consular affairs, while the second meeting’s topics were not disclosed.

The sessions brought together Saudi authorities as well as diplomatic representatives from both nations in the Kingdom.

Saudi Deputy Ministers Discuss Consular Matters With Jordanian Envoy

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Consular Affairs, Ambassador Khalid Al-Qahtani, met with Jordan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Haitham Abu Alfoul.

During their meeting in Riyadh, the two delegates addressed consular issues of common concern. No more information on the problems presented or any choices made was supplied.

The meeting focused on topics related to both sides’ consular operations.

Saudi Deputy Ministers Also Meet Venezuela’s Ambassador

Separately, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Venezuela’s ambassador to the Kingdom, David Velasquez Caraballo.

Al-Rassi is Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs. He also serves as the General Supervisor for the Economic and Development Affairs Deputyship.

The available information does not describe the topics covered at this conference. It also made no mention of agreements, choices, or next actions.

Both meetings took occurred in Riyadh, with Saudi officials meeting diplomats from two nations. While the talk with Jordan’s ambassador focused on consular concerns of common interest, no information was exchanged concerning the issues mentioned with Venezuela’s envoy.

Saudi Houthi Report Rejected Over $51bn Demand Claim

A Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman has denied reports that Yemen’s Houthi movement sought $51 billion from Saudi Arabia in exchange for the halt of hostilities. The source also disputed the claimed desire for the group’s recognition as Yemen’s rulers, calling the assertions absolutely untrue.

The answer came on Thursday, one day after The Wall Street Journal published the article. Rayed Krimly, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, addressed the topic with a post on X, stating that the reports were false.

Saudi Houthi Report Draws Strong Denial

Krimly denounced the newspaper’s accusations as fabrications by its writers or sources. His statement flatly denied the alleged money demand and the assertion that the Houthis desired recognition as Yemen’s ruling government.

The article linked the claimed demands to an agreement to end the violence. However, the Saudi official contradicted the narrative, claiming it did not reflect the facts.

Saudi Houthi Report Rejected Over $51bn Demand Claim — AI-generated illustrative image

Krimly also criticized the Houthi movement for their participation in Yemen. He accused the group of opposing the country’s leadership and adding to the people’s misery, including famine.

Saudi Houthi Report Rejected as Yemen Peace Issues Continue

The Saudi official made many more claims against the group. He said that the Houthis had pushed Yemen into wars and ambitions that did not benefit the country’s interests.

Krimly also accused the organization of launching assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea. He also criticized the militia for attacks on human and commercial targets.

He said that the Houthis have refused peace talks. These claims were part of his broader critique of the group’s activities and involvement in the conflict.

Krimly further pointed out that Yemen already has an internationally recognized government. His declaration rejected any idea that the Houthis should be recognized as the country’s leadership.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry official’s reaction so rejected both the claimed $51 billion demand and the claim of political recognition. The Wall Street Journal article was published on Wednesday, while Krimly offered a denial the next day.