Belgium: The European Union on Thursday said it had postponed a summit with Gulf states that was scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on October 24, amid growing security concerns in the country following attacks by the Houthis.
The EU did not provide details on the reason for the postponement, saying only that a new date would be announced “in due course”.
The postponement is a further setback for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host global events amid the escalating war involving the Houthis.
The EU had partly intended the summit to demonstrate solidarity with Gulf states and Saudi Arabia amid the conflict. The decision to postpone the meeting underscores the seriousness of the security situation.
Last weekend, 13 people were killed and hundreds wounded in strikes on Riyadh’s international airport, in an attack claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.
The airport, where dignitaries had been expected to arrive for the summit, remains closed following the attacks.