Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Official Web Site
Riyadh
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba met today with H.E. Jasem Al Budaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to discuss ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Yemen and the GCC, enhance political and security coordination on regional developments, and review the latest developments in Yemen.
Dr. Al-Zouba conveyed the appreciation of Yemen’s political leadership, represented by President Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, as well as the Government and people of Yemen, for the GCC countries’ longstanding and steadfast support for Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy, unity and sovereignty, and for their continued solidarity with the Yemeni people in confronting current challenges.
The meeting reviewed developments in Yemen and the wider region, including the repercussions of Iran’s direct escalation and the actions of its proxies, particularly the Houthi terrorist militias, on regional security and international navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, Bab Al-Mandab, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr. Al-Zouba reaffirmed the Republic of Yemen’s full solidarity with the GCC states in the face of any threats to their sovereignty, security and stability. She also reiterated Yemen’s unequivocal rejection of the use of its territory or territorial waters as a platform to threaten neighbouring countries or to advance Iran’s expansionist agenda.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening Yemen-GCC coordination in regional and international forums, unifying efforts to counter the threats posed by the Houthi militias, mobilizing support for the Yemeni government, and advancing cooperation through the activation of joint committees and the further development of partnership and integration with the GCC and its member states in line with current priorities.
For his part, Secretary General Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s steadfast support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government, as well as for all efforts aimed at preserving Yemen’s unity and sovereignty and promoting security and stability. He also underscored the GCC’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian and relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people in coordination with regional and international partners.