Council member Al-Zubaidi discusses with the Greek ambassador the impact of ongoing Houthi escalation on international shipping.

On Wednesday, Lieutenant General Aidros al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, met with Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to Yemen. The two officials explored ways to enhance the bilateral relations between Yemen and Greece, focusing on cooperation in various sectors, including humanitarian and economic fields.

Addressing Security Concerns in Maritime Navigation

During the meeting, al-Zubaidi and Konstantopoulos discussed the ongoing terrorist attacks carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias. These attacks have targeted international shipping routes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden. The repercussions of these actions have severely impacted the humanitarian situation in Yemen and posed threats to global trade and maritime security.

Al-Zubaidi expressed interest in Greece’s role within the military coalition formed by European Union countries. This coalition aims to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea and counter hostile actions from Houthi militias. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening coordination and communication with the Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognized government to effectively deter Houthi threats.

Acknowledging Greece’s Support for Yemen

Lieutenant General al-Zubaidi praised Greece for its support to the Yemeni people in various areas, including training, capacity building, and sustainable development projects. He highlighted the importance of Greece’s contributions to peace initiatives sponsored by the European Union. Al-Zubaidi stated that the Presidential Leadership Council looks forward to a more significant role from the EU in supporting livelihood improvement programs that have effectively uplifted the living conditions of the poorest segments of Yemeni society.

Commitment to Continued Collaboration

In response, Ambassador Konstantopoulos reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Presidential Leadership Council across multiple sectors. He expressed Greece’s readiness to continue supporting the Yemeni government’s efforts in humanitarian and economic development, as well as in stabilizing Yemen within the framework of international initiatives.

This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between Yemen and Greece, highlighting shared interests in security, humanitarian support, and economic development amid the challenges posed by regional instability.

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