The Foreign Minister discusses with her Saudi counterpart the latest developments in Yemen and the region, and ways to enhance coordination.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Saudi Counterpart

On Thursday, Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba engaged in a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They discussed the latest developments in Yemen and the region, particularly in light of the escalating terrorist activities by the Iran-backed Houthi militias against civilians and civilian infrastructure in both countries. The conversation also focused on ways to enhance joint coordination.

Houthi Attacks on Civilian Targets

Minister Al-Zouba informed her Saudi counterpart about the Houthi assaults in the temporary capital, Aden. She highlighted the repeated targeting of Aden International Airport, attacks on displaced persons’ camps, and assaults on state institutions.

She emphasized that targeting the airport endangers the lives of travelers and the safety of civil aviation. Furthermore, these actions disrupt the movement of citizens and the delivery of humanitarian aid, necessitating effective international measures to protect civilian facilities and halt these aggressions.

Humanitarian Crisis in Taiz

The minister also reviewed the consequences of the Houthi blockade on the city of Taiz, detailing the terrorist attacks on residential neighborhoods. She pointed out the restrictions imposed on the delivery of water, food, medicine, and fuel, which threaten the lives of residents and the continuity of essential services.

Al-Zouba firmly rejected the exploitation of citizens’ needs for political blackmail. She affirmed the awareness of Yemenis regarding the dangers of the Houthi agenda and their commitment to a state that upholds their dignity, freedoms, and equal citizenship under the rule of law. She condemned attempts to erase Yemen’s Arab identity and transform it into a platform for threatening regional security.

Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The minister reiterated Yemen’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on its territory, airports, and civilian facilities. She stated that the security of Saudi Arabia is integral to the security of Yemen, asserting that any aggression against it constitutes an aggression against Yemen.

Al-Zouba confirmed Yemen’s support for Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to protect its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents. She highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to address shared threats, restore state institutions, and safeguard regional security and international navigation.

Appreciation for Saudi Support

The minister conveyed the appreciation of Yemen’s political leadership, government, and people for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Yemen. She acknowledged the Coalition’s support for the legitimacy efforts of the Yemeni government, Saudi assistance for the public budget, and developmental and humanitarian projects that bolster citizens’ resilience and alleviate their suffering.

She also praised the recent facilitation measures provided to Yemeni residents, noting the ministry’s commitment to continue coordinating with relevant Saudi authorities to ensure that the Yemeni community benefits from these initiatives.

Saudi Commitment to Yemen

In response, Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for the Presidential Leadership Council, the legitimate Yemeni government, and the Yemeni people. He emphasized the Kingdom’s backing for the government’s efforts to preserve Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He confirmed the continuation of Saudi political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian support for Yemen, along with the provision of facilities for the Yemeni community. The prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing joint coordination and supporting efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people while fulfilling their aspirations for security, stability, and development.

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