Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Official Web Site
Riyadh
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Afrah Al-Zouba met today with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Yemen, Abda Sharif, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordination between the two friendly countries, as well as the latest developments in Yemen.
The meeting reviewed areas of mutual cooperation and the United Kingdom’s political, economic and humanitarian support for Yemen. The two sides also discussed efforts to support state institutions, advance economic recovery and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people.
Ambassador Sharif congratulated Minister Al-Zouba on assuming her new role and wished her every success. She also praised the achievements made during Dr Al-Zouba’s tenure as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, particularly her role in strengthening partnerships with the international community and mobilising support for Yemen.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Zouba stressed that the terrorist Houthi militia has repeatedly exploited international initiatives and peace efforts to regroup and strengthen its military capabilities. She noted that the militia has consistently refused to engage seriously or respond responsibly to international efforts aimed at ending the humanitarian suffering of Yemenis, in line with the agreed references and in a manner that would restore state institutions, re-establish security and stability, and resume the country’s development process.
Minister Al-Zouba also stated that the militia’s alignment with the Iranian project and its coordination with Iran-backed groups in the region have contributed to destabilizing security and stability at both the national and regional levels. She emphasised the need to address the root causes of the crisis, end the coup and respond firmly to the source of Iranian support and financing, rather than merely confronting the consequences of this threat.
For her part, Ambassador Sharif reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Yemeni government and its efforts to achieve security and stability and improve basic services.