Foreign Minister: Empowering the state to protect its sovereignty and coasts is essential for the security of Bab al-Mandab and international navigation.

Yemen’s Foreign Minister Emphasizes State Responsibility for Sovereignty and Security

Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, affirmed that the Yemeni state holds its constitutional and sovereign responsibility to protect its citizens, territories, coasts, ports, and territorial waters. She stated that empowering state institutions to fulfill this responsibility is crucial for the security of Bab al-Mandab, the Red Sea, and international navigation and trade.

Recent Developments in Yemen’s Security Situation

During a meeting today with the Head of the European Union Mission to Yemen, Patrick Simonnet, and ambassadors and representatives of EU member states accredited to Yemen, the Foreign Minister reviewed the latest developments regarding the recent escalation of Houthi militia activities in Taiz and the western coast. She highlighted the militia’s attempts to expand towards Bab al-Mandab and the associated risks that extend beyond Yemen’s borders, threatening regional security and international maritime routes.

The Right to Defend Sovereignty

The Minister emphasized that the state’s right to defend its citizens and sovereignty, as well as to counter attempts to impose new realities by force, is a fundamental right. She reiterated that legitimate state institutions are responsible for protecting national and sovereign interests and fulfilling their duties in safeguarding the country’s lands, coasts, and territorial waters.

Concerns Over Iranian Support for Houthi Militias

Dr. Al-Zuba warned about the dangers of continued Iranian support for the Houthi militias, which provides them with weapons and capabilities to expand their threats to neighboring countries and maritime routes. She stressed that using Yemen’s strategic location as a tool for regional pressure and influence jeopardizes the security of the region and the interests of the international community.

Strengthening Maritime Security

The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the naval forces and coast guards, securing ports, and combating arms and funding smuggling networks. This enhancement will enable the state to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting its coasts and territorial waters. She emphasized that Bab al-Mandab must remain a safe passage for international navigation and trade, rather than becoming a tool for extortion or leverage by armed groups outside state institutions.

Humanitarian Consequences of Escalation

Dr. Al-Zuba also addressed the humanitarian consequences resulting from the escalation, which has led to waves of displacement and increasing needs among civilians. She called on the European Union and member states to continue supporting humanitarian responses and assisting state institutions and local authorities.

Appreciation for EU Support

The Yemeni government expressed its appreciation for the positions of the European Union and member states that support Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Dr. Al-Zuba emphasized the importance of translating these positions into more effective support for state institutions, implementing relevant Security Council resolutions, and limiting the flow of weapons and funding to the Houthi militias.

EU Commitment to Yemen’s Stability

In response, the Head of the European Union Mission and ambassadors and representatives of member states reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s security, stability, unity, and sovereignty, as well as their commitment to continuing cooperation with the Yemeni government. They expressed concern over the recent Houthi escalation and the threats posed by attempts to expand towards Bab al-Mandab, which endanger maritime security and international trade. They highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination with the Yemeni government and regional and international partners regarding current developments.

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