The Arab League expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia over its supportive stance on Yemen and swift response to the Yemeni plea against the threats that could have undermined its regional safety and national sovereignty.

During the opening of the "Riyadh Conference for Saving Yemen" on Sunday, Assistant Secretary General Ahmad bin Hilli, on behalf of chief Nabil el Araby, said the pan-Arab body appreciates Saudi King Salman bin Abdelaziz al Saud's firm position in backing Yemen during its hardship.

The conference is part of efforts led by Saudi Arabia out of its sense of national responsibility to preserve Arab national security embodied in "Decisive Storm" and "Renewal of Hope" operations, bin Hilli said.