The European Union has postponed a planned summit with Gulf states that was scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 24, citing growing security concerns following a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The EU did not provide a specific reason for delaying the meeting but said a new date would be announced “in due course.”
The decision comes as security concerns increase across Saudi Arabia amid the wider conflict involving the Iran aligned Houthis and regional targets. The postponement is also a setback for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host major international events despite the deteriorating security situation.
The EU Gulf summit was expected to bring European and Gulf leaders together to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and closer relations between the two regions. The meeting was also intended to demonstrate European support for Gulf countries facing increased security threats.
The security situation worsened last weekend when strikes on Riyadh’s international airport killed 13 people and wounded hundreds, according to Saudi authorities. Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.
Riyadh airport, which was expected to receive international delegates attending the summit, remains closed following the strikes. The disruption has added to concerns about the safety of international visitors and officials travelling to the Saudi capital.
The postponement highlights the growing impact of the regional conflict on diplomacy, travel and Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major international gatherings.
Despite delaying the summit, the EU said its relationship with the Gulf region remains strategically important. The bloc said it remained committed to strengthening and deepening cooperation with Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia.
The decision comes at a sensitive time for relations between Europe and the Gulf, with both sides facing pressure to coordinate their response to the worsening regional security environment.
For Saudi Arabia, the delay represents another challenge as it seeks to maintain its role as a major destination for international political, economic and diplomatic events.
For the EU, the postponement reflects the increasing difficulty of holding high level international meetings while attacks continue to threaten major transport hubs and population centres in the region.
A new date for the summit has not yet been announced.
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