The Foreign Minister emphasizes the importance of supporting the Yemeni government to ensure the security of international waterways.

In a recent roundtable discussion held in New York, Dr. Shaya’ Al-Zindani, Yemen’s Foreign Minister, emphasized the urgent need to reassess strategies for addressing the threats posed by Houthi militias to international maritime corridors. He advocated for increased political, economic, and military support for the Yemeni government to strengthen state institutions responsible for ensuring the security of these vital waterways.

Addressing Houthi Threats

During the session, which focused on the political and military dimensions of the Houthi presence in Yemen as a regional security threat, Al-Zindani highlighted the importance of understanding the factors that have hindered progress in resolving the Yemeni crisis. He called for a thorough evaluation of the current situation, pointing out the repercussions of attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab on the prospects for a political solution. Furthermore, he noted the detrimental effects of these assaults on the marine environment and the severe economic consequences for Yemen and its neighboring countries.

Urgent Need for Action

Al-Zindani warned against complacency in addressing the Yemeni crisis amid ongoing economic and political challenges. He stressed the continuous flow of weapons and funds to the Houthis as a pressing concern. The Foreign Minister reiterated the critical importance of implementing United Nations resolutions regarding Yemen, particularly Resolution 2216, as a viable approach to tackle the ongoing crisis.

International Support and Collaboration

The roundtable featured insights from several key international figures, including Luigi Di Maio, the European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region; Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen; and Tobias Lindner, Germany’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Other notable attendees included U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Stephen Hickey and the Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the UK Foreign Office. They all underscored the necessity of de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea and supporting the Yemeni government in its efforts to confront existing challenges. The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace in Yemen.

The event concluded with the presence of Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, who echoed the calls for unified action to secure maritime routes and promote regional stability. The discussions highlighted the collaborative approach needed to address the multifaceted challenges facing Yemen and its impact on international security.

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