The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, discussed today, during a telephone call with the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Stephen Doughty, bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, as well as the latest developments in Yemen and the region, the recent escalation by the Houthi terrorist militias, its humanitarian and security consequences, and the threats it poses to international maritime navigation.
The Minister expressed the Republic of Yemen’s appreciation for the British position in support of the government and state institutions, as well as the United Kingdom’s condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. She stressed that the state is exercising its constitutional and legitimate right to protect its citizens, territory, institutions, and sovereignty in accordance with international law.
She emphasised the importance of the role played by the United Kingdom, as the penholder on the Yemen file at the UN Security Council, in supporting state institutions and international legitimacy resolutions, and in mobilising a clear international position towards threats affecting civilians, neighbouring countries, the Red Sea, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
She stressed that the Houthi threat has extended beyond Yemen’s internal affairs to regional security and maritime routes, and that addressing its sources requires strengthening the Yemeni state’s ability to protect its coastlines, ports, and territorial waters, implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and restricting the flow of weapons, technology, and financing to the militias.
Minister Al-Zouba affirmed that Yemen will not become a platform for threatening neighbouring countries or for blackmailing international shipping and trade, and that empowering the state and its institutions to exercise their sovereign responsibilities is a cornerstone of security for Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
For his part, the British Minister reiterated his country’s condemnation of the Houthi escalation and attacks against Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and civilian infrastructure. He stressed that these attacks threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation, and vital trade routes through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Doughty reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s position in support of the right of the Republic of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law. He called on the Houthis to cease their attacks and de-escalate, noting that his country would continue working with partners to support regional stability, protect civilians, and ensure the flow of humanitarian assistance.
