Yemen chairs the 162nd session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level.

In a significant development, Yemen’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Shaye Al-Zindani, chaired the 162nd session of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers today. He received the rotating presidency from Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Abroad, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, marking a new chapter in Arab cooperation and diplomacy.

Yemen’s Commitment to Arab Unity

During his address to the council, Minister Al-Zindani expressed pride in Yemen’s role as the current president of the council. He highlighted the national and historical responsibility resting on the shoulders of the Arab collective effort. “It is imperative for us to use this session as a new starting point to address ongoing crises and overcome all challenges with a pure Arab will,” he stated.

Al-Zindani also mentioned Yemen’s dedication, under the guidance of President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, to advancing Arab joint action. He emphasized cooperation to elevate this effort in defense of the Arab nations’ causes and peoples’ interests.

Focus on Palestinian Suffering and Regional Peace Efforts

The Foreign Minister shed light on the dire situation of the Palestinian people, who continue to face severe crimes by Israeli forces. He stressed the importance of formulating a unified Arab plan to mobilize international pressure on Israel to halt its crimes in Gaza, the West Bank, and all occupied Palestinian territories. Al-Zindani called for the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to guarantee protection for the Palestinian people.

He commended the efforts of Egypt and Qatar in seeking an urgent agreement to stop the unjust war and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people. Al-Zindani called for intensified Arab efforts and international cooperation to launch a peace process ensuring justice and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Yemen’s Peace Process and Environmental Concerns

Al-Zindani also touched on the Yemeni government’s efforts towards peace and the challenges posed by the Houthi militia’s escalation and threats to maritime navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas. He highlighted the potential environmental disaster from targeted oil tankers, specifically mentioning the tanker “Sonion” as a ticking time bomb. The minister appreciated the international and regional efforts, particularly by Saudi Arabia and Oman, to chart a roadmap towards a political solution, despite hurdles created by the Houthi militia’s intransigence.

The meeting saw participation from Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Riyadh Al-Akbari, and the Head of the Minister’s Office Department, Ambassador Abdulqader Hadi.

This session marks a pivotal moment for Yemen and the Arab League, underscoring the region’s commitment to addressing its challenges through unity and cooperation.

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