Saudi, Yemeni foreign ministers discuss partnership and regional security

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Yemen's Afrah Al-Zouba convened to discuss bilateral relations, joint efforts against regional threats, and ways to bolster their strategic partnership. During their meeting at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they emphasized their shared commitment to brotherhood, neighborliness, and mutual interests, aiming to expand cooperation to foster stability and development in the region.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, government, and people, as well as all initiatives aimed at ensuring Yemen's security, stability, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. In return, Minister Al-Zouba expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's support across political, economic, humanitarian, and developmental fronts, which has bolstered state institutions, alleviated human suffering, and contributed to stability and economic recovery.

Both sides discussed enhancing institutional cooperation between their ministries, leveraging Saudi diplomatic expertise to train and develop Yemeni diplomats, and building capacities to improve performance and coordination. The meeting also addressed the recent Houthi militia escalation and its implications for Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the region, particularly the threat to Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab security and international trade.

Minister Al-Zouba condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and facilities, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize regional stability and the rights of nations committed to Yemen's prosperity.

She underscored Yemen's refusal to allow its territory or maritime passages to be used for threatening Saudi Arabia or neighboring countries, highlighting the strategic importance of Yemen's sea lanes to global trade. The Yemeni minister stressed that the expansion of Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites, especially the port of Mocha, constitutes a direct threat to the Yemeni people and aims to escalate the conflict, targeting vital maritime gateways.

She stressed that safeguarding Yemeni cities and ports, along with the safety of Red Sea navigation, hinges on a robust Yemeni state capable of protecting its coasts, ports, and institutions.

Dr. Al-Zouba praised Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, its leadership role, and its vision for building partnerships and alliances to enhance regional stability and tackle shared threats. She reaffirmed Yemen's backing for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and the multinational maritime defense coalition, viewing them as crucial steps to bolster collective security and deter potential threats.