The EU postponed the summit with the Gulf states, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, amid Houthi attacks and security risks

The European Union has postponed the summit with the Gulf states, scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia, following an intensification of attacks carried out by Houthi rebels and growing security concerns. The decision was announced on Thursday, and Brussels did not specify when the meeting would take place, stating that a new date would be set “at the appropriate time.”

The postponement represents another blow to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host international events despite the escalating conflict with the Iran-allied Houthi group in Yemen. The summit was intended to convey a message of EU solidarity with the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia and to help deepen the partnership between the two regions.

The decision comes after the weekend attacks on Riyadh International Airport. According to the information available, 13 people were killed and hundreds were injured following strikes claimed by the Houthi group. The airport, where officials attending the summit were due to land, remains closed.

The EU stressed that it continues to attach “great strategic importance” to its relationship with the Gulf states and remains committed to strengthening cooperation with them.