Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, has called on the US to enhance its support for Yemeni forces, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism and securing waterways. He also urged continued international efforts to intercept shipments of smuggled weapons and drugs linked to Iranian networks and their proxies in the region.
This came during his meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Thursday with the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to Yemen, Jonathan Beach. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Al-Alimi emphasized the importance of building the capabilities of the Yemeni Coast Guard and enabling it to perform its duties in protecting coasts and territorial waters from smuggling activities. He stressed that the continuation of these efforts helps deter Houthi terrorism and ensures the security of international navigation.
President Al-Alimi also called on Washington to continue supporting the economic and humanitarian reform program, backing currency stability and improving essential services. He indicated that the government’s success in these areas would strengthen the state’s resilience in facing current challenges.
Al-Alimi reiterated the Leadership Council’s commitment to a just and comprehensive peace approach based on the agreed-upon terms of reference. He affirmed that achieving stability in Yemen can only happen through restoring state institutions, dismantling the Houthi militia’s military structure, and ending its Iranian-backed sectarian project.
For his part, the American Chargé d’Affaires confirmed Washington’s continued support for the Yemeni government in its efforts to combat terrorism and improve economic conditions. He reiterated his country’s commitment to protecting the security of international navigation and ensuring freedom of trade in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
