Gulf Ministerial Council affirms support for the Presidential Leadership Council and entities aiding it.

Unwavering Support for Yemen’s Stability

The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has reiterated its unwavering support for the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, led by President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi. The council expressed its commitment to backing entities that aid in achieving security, stability, and a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. This stance aligns with the Gulf Initiative, its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, aiming to preserve Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.

Solidarity and Efforts for Peace

During its 161st session held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the chairmanship of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the council issued a statement with the participation of the foreign ministers of the GCC states. The council welcomed the ongoing sincere efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman, along with engagements with all Yemeni parties, to revive the political process. These efforts seek a comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire.

The council praised the Yemeni government’s commitment to renewing the humanitarian truce declared by the United Nations. It called on the Houthi militia to positively engage with international and UN efforts to end the Yemeni crisis and to seriously consider peace initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Condemnation of Foreign Interference and Support for Economic Reforms

The GCC Ministerial Council condemned the continued foreign interventions in Yemen’s internal affairs and the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militias, in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624. It highlighted the importance of de-escalation to maintain security and stability in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region, respecting maritime navigation rights under international law.

The council lauded Saudi Arabia’s contribution of $250 million towards addressing the budget deficit of the Yemeni government, supporting salaries, operational expenses, and food security. This contribution is part of a total support package of $1.2 billion aimed at fostering economic reforms, enhancing the Yemeni government’s budget, improving citizens’ purchasing power, and supporting economic recovery in Yemen.

Investments in Sustainable Solutions and Humanitarian Aid

The GCC praised the United Arab Emirates for funding a solar power plant in Aden, reflecting a commitment to sustainable solutions for Yemen’s electricity crisis. It also acknowledged the arrival of a shipment of diesel fuel, part of the UAE’s grant to boost power generation in Aden and other liberated provinces.

The council appreciated Kuwait’s support for Yemen’s air transport sector, providing aircraft and engines to bolster connectivity. It recognized the achievements of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the GCC’s relief coordination office, and the collective humanitarian and developmental assistance provided by GCC states to Yemen.

Commitment to Peace and Development

Highlighting the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, the council praised the initiative’s 229 developmental projects across seven key sectors, including education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, and government capacity building. It commended the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam) for its efforts to remove mines and unexploded ordnance, planted indiscriminately by Houthi militias, which have claimed innocent lives.

The council welcomed a positive agreement facilitated by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, aimed at de-escalating tensions related to the banking sector and Yemeni airlines. It called for the immediate release of all detainees held by the Houthi militia, including UN staff, US embassy personnel, and members of other international organizations, emphasizing that such detentions violate international law and diplomatic norms.

This collective stance underscores the GCC’s commitment to supporting peace, security, and development for the people of Yemen, aligning with international efforts to restore stability in the region.

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