RIYADH // The US has reassured Yemen’s leaders of its support for their legitimate government and welcomed moves towards talks to end the conflict.

President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi and prime minister Khaled Bahah met the US ambassador to Yemen to discuss the conflict and the UN-backed talks.

Mr Hadi and his government were driven from the country after Houthi rebels and deposed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh joined forces and took over the capital Sanaa last year, before seizing Aden in March.

A coalition led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined loyalist Yemeni forces to drive the rebels from Aden in July, before pushing them north towards Sanaa.

On Sunday, Mr Hadi’s spokesman said the government would take part in the talks to end the conflict, which has killed more than 5,000 people.

US ambassador Matthew Tueller praised the decision in a meeting with Mr Hadi in Riyadh yesterday.

He also backed the president’s efforts in foiling the Houthi’s attempts to take over the country.

Mr Hadi praised the US for supporting the fight to restore security and stability to Yemen and for backing a UN resolution ordering the Houthis to withdraw.

Mr Bahah told Mr Tueller the Yemeni government was committed to stop the violence by the Houthis and Mr Saleh’s forces.

Mr Hadi also met German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and members of the German parliament, who expressed support for the internationally recognised president.

* Agencies and Wam