Obama takes up Yemen developments with Saudi King

Yemen has been suffering from political unrest and clashes between Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemeni President Abd- Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who has fled the country.

Obama and King Salman on Friday discussed the recent adoption of a resolution on Yemen in the United Nations Security Council and next steps in the effort to resume the political transition in Yemen, including talks facilitated by the UN, the White House said in a statement, Xinhua reported.

The UN Security Council on Tuesday urged all Yemeni parties in a resolution to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation.

The two leaders agreed that "our collective goal is to achieve lasting stability in Yemen through a negotiated political solution facilitated by the United Nations and involving all parties as envisioned in the GCC Initiative," said the statement.

In the telephone talk, Obama underscored U.S. commitment to Saudi Arabia's security and reaffirmed the "strong friendship" between the two countries.

On March 26, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies launched airstrikes on the Shiite Houthi group that has seized parts of Yemen, including the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

Obama and King Salman also discussed the importance of responding to the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people, the statement said.