MANAMA, Bahrain: Bahraini Minister for Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa played down suggestions that fighting in Yemen was an extension of a broader Sunni-Shi'ite conflict.
He said poverty, and a lack of resources and development were at the root of the dispute, which has once again pitched Houthis against the Yemeni government.
The conflict is not new, but received massive attention earlier this year when Saudi Arabia entered the fray and launched its own war against Houthis after some crossed into its territory.
He said the conflict should not be depicted as a war between Muslims.
"It is obvious that this is being portrayed as a Sunni-Shi'ite conflict," he said.
"It is the same with Iraq - with the Sunnis, Shi'ites and the Kurds - and in other countries.
"This is a serious concern for us."
He stressed the need for a change in thinking and an approach that focused less on the differences between sects.