Yemen rebel delegation in Saudi Arabia for talks — minister

RIYADH — A delegation of Shiite Houthi rebels from Yemen is holding talks in Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said Monday, ahead of a planned ceasefire and renewed Yemeni peace negotiations.

"The Houthi delegation is in Saudi Arabia and the discussions are ongoing. I believe we have made good progress," Jubeir told reporters.

Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab coalition that has been bombing the rebels for over a year, in support of Yemen's internationally recognised President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

"Talks with them are ongoing with the aim of finding a political solution for the Yemen crisis," Jubeir said.

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was the first to reveal the presence of a Houthi delegation in Riyadh, in an interview with Bloomberg published Friday.

"There is significant progress in negotiations, and we have good contacts with the Houthis, with a delegation currently in Riyadh. We believe that we are closer than ever to a political solution in Yemen," the prince said.

The revelation came ahead of a UN-brokered truce slated to enter into effect on April 10, followed by talks in Kuwait on April 18. 

Previous negotiations have failed and earlier ceasefires were not respected, but analysts say the prospects of a deal have improved.