[08/11/2026 06:30]

RIYADH-SABA

Information Minister Salem Thabet al-Awlaki met on Sunday with US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires to Yemen Neil Hop to discuss the latest developments in Yemen and issues of mutual interest, particularly ways to strengthen cooperation in the media sector.

During the meeting, Minister al-Awlaki reviewed developments in Yemen, including the ongoing military escalation by the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militias and their continued crimes and violations against civilians. He also highlighted the siege imposed on Taiz by the militias and its severe humanitarian and living conditions for residents.

He stressed that the continued Houthi violations against civilians require greater international attention and stronger efforts to document these abuses, expose them to public opinion, and highlight the suffering of the Yemeni people as a result of the ongoing war.

Al-Awlaki underscored the importance of the media in countering Houthi disinformation and incitement campaigns and promoting fact-based reporting supported by reliable information. He reaffirmed the Information Ministry’s commitment to developing the capabilities of its institutions and personnel, strengthening partnerships with independent media outlets, and promoting professionalism and responsibility in media work.

The minister also expressed his interest in expanding cooperation with the US side, benefiting from American expertise in improving media performance, training journalists, and keeping pace with technological advances in the media industry.

He commended US support for Yemen in humanitarian and development fields, as well as Washington’s support for international efforts to achieve peace, security and stability.

For his part, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Neil Hop congratulated al-Awlaki on his appointment as information minister, stressing the important role of the media amid Yemen’s exceptional circumstances.

Hop emphasized the need to focus on facts and reliable information, shed light on Houthi violations against civilians, and promote press freedom and access to information.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening communication and partnerships with international media outlets to ensure accurate reporting on developments in Yemen and draw attention to humanitarian challenges. He reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in supporting professional and independent media and building journalists’ capacities.

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