The Saudi diplomat who was kidnapped last week by unidentified gunmen in Aden is going to be released soon, said the Arab News website, citing Saudi and Yemeni officials.
Early the week, the Saudi ambassador to Sana'a, Ali Al-Hamdan said that the deputy consul Abdullah al-Khaladi is believed to have been moved to a mountainous area between Aden and Lahj provinces.
The Yemeni officials managed to contact the kidnappers and negotiations are underway, the Saudi Arab News website quoted al-Hamdan as saying.
Al-Hamdan has voiced his concern over the safety and health of al-Khaladi, however, he said that the Saudi embassy is in constant contact with Yemeni authorities regarding this case, according to Arab News.
He further showed his optimism about the near release of the high-ranking diplomat, declining to give any further details.
The Saudi government warned the gunmen of any foolish act they might do, demanding they set al-Khaladi free immediately.
Top Yemeni governmental officials have condemned the attack, showing their concerns that the incident many sour the very good relationship of the two neighboring countries.
The top oil exporter has had the biggest role in brokering a peaceful settlement that helped avert the poor Gulf state of a full-blown civil war and has been supporting Yemen generously since the outbreak of protests early last year.
Rumors have been circulating that the abduction of the deputy consul had something to do with a civil marriage case, however, official sources ruled out this credibility of this perspective.