Council member Al-Aidrous Al-Zubaidi discusses joint efforts for peace with the French ambassador.

On Monday, October 7, 2023, Lieutenant General Aidarus Qassem Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, met with French Ambassador to Yemen, Catherine Colonna. The two officials discussed the current state of bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation to benefit both nations and their peoples.

Political and Humanitarian Updates

During the meeting, Al-Zubaidi and Colonna addressed the latest developments in Yemen’s political and humanitarian landscape. They particularly focused on the ongoing escalation by Houthi militias, which threaten international shipping routes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden. Al-Zubaidi emphasized the urgency of these issues and the need for a coordinated response.

Call for Unified Strategy for Peace

Al-Zubaidi reiterated the importance of aligning positions between Yemen and its allied nations. He advocated for a unified approach and a comprehensive strategy to end the conflict and establish peace in Yemen and the surrounding region. He underscored that achieving lasting peace remains unattainable amid the ongoing aggression by Houthi militias, which he described as a group committed to violence and destruction rather than peace.

Humanitarian Efforts and Support

The discussion also highlighted various humanitarian projects and interventions implemented by the French government across liberated provinces in Yemen. Al-Zubaidi expressed his hope for increased French humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, who continue to endure the impacts of war and the blockade imposed by Houthi forces.

French Support for Yemeni Stability

In response, Ambassador Colonna reaffirmed her government’s support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the efforts made by allied nations to protect international interests in maritime corridors. She also highlighted France’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives in Yemen.

This meeting marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue between Yemen and France, focusing on enhancing cooperation and addressing pressing humanitarian needs in the region.

 

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