As attacks by Yemen's pro-Iran Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia continue, a summit between the European Union (EU) and Gulf nations has hit a roadblock.

The EU announced on the 15th, local time, that it is postponing the 2nd EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, which had been scheduled to be held in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on the 24th.

Without disclosing specific reasons, the EU stated that a new date for the summit will be announced at an appropriate time.

The EU added, "Cooperation between the EU and the GCC holds great strategic significance for both sides," and "The EU remains committed to further deepening this partnership and maintaining the momentum generated by the 1st summit held in October 2024."

The GCC is comprised of six nations along the Persian Gulf coast: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

According to Reuters, the GCC also announced the postponement of the summit with the EU on the same day, citing the persistent threats from Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia and the prolonged suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport.

Previously in Saudi Arabia on the 10th, King Khalid International Airport was targeted in a Houthi attack, resulting in 13 multinational civilian deaths and over 300 injuries.

The airport, which key figures attending next week's EU-GCC summit were scheduled to use, has remained closed since the attack.

Even after the incident, Houthi rebels have continued launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting Riyadh and other areas.

Amid escalating instability in the Middle East driven by the Houthi rebels, the EU had intended to use next week's summit to express solidarity with Gulf nations and Saudi Arabia. However, the deteriorating security situation in the region has forced the meeting to be delayed.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking to improve its image by hosting international events such as sporting fixtures and conferences, but the country is taking a blow as major events are successively canceled due to Houthi attacks.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)