Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Ahmed Salem Al-Subaihi, praised the British role supporting Yemen, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the partnership with the United Kingdom to face security and humanitarian challenges. Foremost among these are the Houthi threats to international navigation in the Red Sea, and supporting the government’s efforts in restoring state institutions and enhancing stability.
This came during his meeting today, via video conference, with the British Ambassador to Yemen, Abda Sharif, where both sides discussed the latest political, security, and humanitarian developments, as well as ways to develop bilateral cooperation and joint coordination on issues of mutual interest.
Al-Subaihi affirmed that the government places the humanitarian file at the top of its priorities, in light of economic challenges and deteriorating living conditions, calling for redoubling international support for vital sectors, foremost among which are health, education, and food security, especially in the most affected governorates.
The Presidential Leadership Council member stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to ensure the success of the peace process and to reach a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with internationally agreed references. At the same time, he emphasized that the government is proceeding with the implementation of security and military reforms aimed at merging military and security formations under the umbrella of the Ministries of Defense and Interior, thereby enhancing the efficiency of state institutions and establishing the rule of law and stability.
On the security file, Al-Subaihi warned of the increasing threats facing Yemen and the region, pointing out that the practices of the Iran-backed Houthis have come to represent a direct threat to the security of international navigation in the Red Sea and regional stability, alongside the escalating challenges posed by terrorist organizations, smuggling networks, and human trafficking.
He called for enhancing cooperation with the British side in the fields of coast guard, counter-terrorism, and anti-smuggling, as well as capacity building for competent security and technical agencies, to support the government’s efforts in protecting coasts and seaports and securing international shipping lanes.
Al-Subaihi also stressed the importance of continued Saudi support for Yemen, and working to create broader regional and international coordination to foster a secure environment that aids economic recovery and the resumption of oil and gas exports.
For her part, the British Ambassador affirmed her country’s keenness to continue supporting Yemen in various fields, and to back UN and regional efforts aimed at reaching a sustainable truce and a comprehensive political settlement. She emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian, developmental, and health programs, alongside supporting pathways to enhance security and stability.
She renewed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Yemen toward achieving lasting and comprehensive stability, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and respect for human rights in various aspects of cooperation and support.
