The Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council stated that Yemen’s defense of Bab al-Mandab is crucial for global security.

President Alimi Meets with EU and Dutch Officials to Discuss Cooperation

On Wednesday, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, welcomed Patrick Simonnet, the head of the European Union mission, and Janet Sebin, the Dutch ambassador. The meeting focused on areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as local developments and regional issues of mutual interest.

Appreciation for EU Support

During the meeting, President Alimi expressed high appreciation for the European Union’s supportive stance towards the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to Yemen’s security and stability, as well as its efforts to achieve peace and alleviate humanitarian suffering.

Condemnation of Houthi Escalation

President Alimi noted the recent European positions condemning the Houthi escalation and attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. He pointed out that current developments make the partnership between Yemen and the European Union increasingly vital, not only for Yemen but also for the security of the Red Sea and international navigation and trade.

Update on Recent Events

The President briefed the EU mission head and the Dutch ambassador on the latest events amid the Houthi militia’s escalation of hostile operations, particularly towards Bab al-Mandab and the western coast fronts in Taiz Governorate.

Commitment to National Aspirations

In this context, President Alimi affirmed that the state will not retreat from fulfilling the aspirations of the Yemeni people. He pledged to continue protecting citizens, restoring state institutions, asserting authority over all territories, and safeguarding its coasts, ports, and territorial waters.

Yemen’s Role in Global Security

President Alimi stated that Yemen, while defending Bab al-Mandab and its coastal waters, makes sacrifices to protect them. He emphasized that Yemen’s defense is not only about its sovereignty but also contributes to global security and the protection of vital maritime trade routes for energy supplies and life-saving goods. He stressed that this shared responsibility requires more effective international partnerships to support the Yemeni state’s ability to protect this strategic corridor.

Iranian Pressure Strategy

The President highlighted the clear link between the current escalation and Iran’s broader pressure strategy, which aims to export the costs of international pressure on Iran to neighboring countries. This strategy involves targeting neighboring states, threatening energy facilities, and jeopardizing the Red Sea and supply chains, effectively turning Iran’s crisis with the international community into a regional and global economic crisis.

Preventing Geopolitical Exploitation

President Alimi insisted on not allowing Bab al-Mandab to become another Strait of Hormuz or Yemen to serve as a geopolitical leverage point for the Iranian regime.

Responsibility for Escalation

The President clarified that the government did not initiate this round of conflict; rather, the militias chose to escalate by conducting unauthorized flights, attacking civilians, displaced persons’ camps, the port of Mocha, and civilian facilities in an attempt to impose new military realities.

Call for Accountability

He added, “We do not want the international discourse to revert to the same traditional equation that calls for both sides to exercise restraint as if the responsibility is equal. Those who initiated the escalation must be named, and those who attack must bear the responsibility for the escalation and its consequences at all levels.”

Urgent European Action Needed

President Alimi called for urgent European action in collaboration with the United Nations and donors to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and services for the displaced. He urged that thousands of Yemenis should not face another wave of displacement while the international community remains content with expressions of concern.

Addressing the Source of Threats

He reiterated the need to shift from managing threats to addressing their source through the effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and tightening measures to prevent the smuggling of weapons, technology, and military components to the militias.

Continued Support from the EU

President Alimi urged European Union countries to maintain economic, humanitarian, and developmental support for the government. He encouraged donors to back the reform and recovery program, enhancing the state’s institutions’ capacity to provide services and meet their obligations.

The Importance of a Capable State

He stated that a capable state is the true guarantee of peace, as peace built on state incapacity and militia control over weapons and the decision to wage war is merely a truce until the next round.

Attendees

The meeting included Dr. Yahya Alshaibi, Director of the Presidency Office.

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