[29/09/2026 05:30]

RIYADH – SABA
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah al-Zouba discussed Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Yemen Abda Sharif developments in the escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias and its repercussions on the security of Yemen, the region and international maritime navigation.

They also discussed ways to strengthen British and international support for the government.

The meeting addressed ways to support the government’s efforts to strengthen economic stability and improve essential services, particularly electricity and healthcare, in order to enhance its ability to meet citizens’ needs, alleviate their suffering, and support the recovery process.

Minister al-Zouba stressed the importance of building on international positions supporting the Yemeni government and strengthening assistance to help it protect citizens and address the repercussions of the Houthi escalation, restore state institutions, and extend state authority across the entire national territory in a manner that safeguards Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Minister expressed her appreciation for British support for Yemen in the political, economic, and humanitarian fields, as well as for the United Kingdom’s role in the UN Security Council.

She emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and consultations regarding current developments.

Regarding security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Foreign Minister explained that protecting maritime routes is linked to the Yemeni state’s ability to secure its coastlines and territorial waters. She stressed the importance of developing cooperation in maritime security and supporting relevant institutions, particularly the Coast Guard, to enable them to confront threats, combat smuggling, and contribute to ensuring the safety of international maritime navigation and trade.

Dr. al-Zouba also highlighted the importance of strengthening the humanitarian response in the areas of food, healthcare, and nutrition, and ensuring that aid reaches those in need in coordination with relevant government authorities, in order to address the urgent needs of the most severely affected groups.

For her part, the British Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the Yemeni government’s efforts to address the current challenges, reiterating her country’s support for the Yemeni government and people.

She affirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to using its role in the UN Security Council and cooperating with international partners to support Yemen’s security and stability, continue development and humanitarian cooperation, and contribute to securing maritime routes and protecting international shipping and trade.

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