EU and Gulf states postpone summit due in Saudi Arabia

The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday postponed a joint summit due to be held in Saudi Arabia next week, as sustained attacks by the Houthis fuel concerns about air travel to and from the kingdom.

The GCC cited continued Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and an extended suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport when announcing the postponement of the summit scheduled for October 24 in Riyadh.

The EU did not specify a reason for the delay, saying only that a new date would be announced "in due course".

The airport, where dignitaries had been supposed to land, remains closed after the attacks.

The EU said it continued to attach "great strategic importance" to ties with the Gulf region and remained committed to deepening the partnership.

Last weekend, 13 people were killed and hundreds wounded in strikes on Riyadh's international airport, in an attack claimed by the Houthis.

More from International News

News