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New York | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Afrah Al-Zouba met Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Wednesday to discuss developments in Yemen and ways to strengthen humanitarian support.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Minister Al-Zouba outlined the consequences of the Houthi militia’s military escalation along Yemen’s western coast and around Bab al-Mandab, its attacks on neighbouring countries, and its threats to international shipping and trade. She said the continuing escalation, fuelled by Iranian support, threatens the security of Yemen and the wider region, as well as international interests.
She called for a united and firm international response, backed by effective measures to deter Houthi attacks and cut off the militia’s sources of weapons and funding. Such measures, she said, are needed to protect neighbouring countries, freedom of navigation, energy security and global supply chains.
Minister Al-Zouba also discussed the humanitarian consequences of the recent escalation, including new displacement in Mokha, other areas along the western coast, and Taiz and Lahj governorates. She outlined the Yemeni Government’s efforts to ease the suffering of those affected and stressed the importance of continued international support for humanitarian and development efforts in Yemen.
Minister Cassis expressed Switzerland’s readiness to increase humanitarian support for Yemen and continue close cooperation with the Yemeni Government to help address the humanitarian crisis and support peace and stability in Yemen and the region.
The meeting was attended by Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi; Political Adviser to the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Marwan Noman; and Sarah Al-Mashhari, a member of Yemen’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.