[10/09/2026 07:25]

RIYADH - SABA
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah al-Zouba stated that the Yemeni state undertakes its constitutional and sovereign responsibility to protect its citizens, lands, coasts, ports and territorial waters, and that enabling its institutions to carry out this responsibility is a key element for the security of Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and international navigation and trade.

She made her comment during a meeting today, Thursday, brought together the Head of the European Union (EU) mission to Yemen Patrick Simonnet and the Ambassadors and of the EU member states accredited to Yemen.

The Foreign Minister detailed the European diplomats on ongiong developments and the escalation by the Houthi terrorist militias in Taiz and the western coast, where the militiamen are seeking to take control over Bab al-Mandeb strait.

Al-Zouba remarked that the state has the right to defend its citizens and sovereignty and to counter attempts to impose new facts by force, affirming that the legitimate state institutions are the framework responsible for protecting national and sovereign interests and fulfilling their duties in safeguarding lands, coasts and territorial waters.

She warned about the dangers of continued Iranian support for the Houthi militias, in terms of weapons and capabilities to expand their threats to neighboring countries and maritime routes.

Using Yemen's strategic location as a tool for pressure and regional influence is jeopardizing the security of the region and the interests of the international community, al-Zouba stressed.

The Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of upgrading the competences of the naval forces and coast guard to secure ports and control smuggling networks, so that the state can fulfill its responsibilities in protecting its coasts and territorial waters.

She insisted that the Bab al-Mandeb Strait must remain a safe passage for navigation and international trade, never allowed to be a tool for extortion or a pressure card in the hands of an armed group outside state institutions.

The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude and thanks to the EU member states for their supportive stances in support of Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of turning these positions into more effective support for state institutions, applying relevant Security Council resolutions, and reducing the flow of weapons and funding to the Houthi militias.

The European Ambassadors confirmed their support for Yemen's security, stability, unity and sovereignty, as well as their continued cooperation with the Yemeni government.

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