BRUSSELS, June 22, 2018 ( MENA) - Spokesman for the Arab coalition in support of legitimacy in Yemen Col. Turki al-Malki said on Friday that the pace of military operations in Yemen's Saada is accelerating, stressing that the coalition forces have achieved progress on the ground. Speaking at a press conference held in Geneva and broadcast by Al Arabiya news channel, Malki said the political and diplomatic solution will always be the ideal one for the Yemeni people. The Arab coalition will continue its efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen, he added. Commenting on the ongoing military operation in Hodeidah, Malki asserted that the safety of Yemeni civilians is a top priority for the coalition. The coalition's operations in Hodeidah will continue, he said, noting that liberating the port will help secure sea navigation in international waterways. Malki is currently visiting Belgium to hold talks with European officials on the situation in Yemen as well as on aid delivery to the conflict-torn country.