Barran Press
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, based on the three established references, during a meeting in Riyadh between Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaye’ al-Zindani, and GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budewi.
The three references include the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216, all aiming to achieve security and stability in Yemen.
The meeting addressed recent developments in Yemen, the economic and development challenges faced by the Yemeni government, and issues of mutual concern, according to Yemen's official Saba news agency. Discussions also covered the impact of Houthi operations in the Red Sea on regional and global economies, alongside ongoing international and UN efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis.
Both parties emphasized the significance of the upcoming joint ministerial meeting between GCC foreign ministers and Yemen, scheduled for June 9th in Doha. This meeting aims to contribute to advancing security and stability for the Yemeni people.
According to a GCC statement, Secretary-General Al Budewi reiterated the full support, expressed during the 44th GCC Supreme Council session in Doha (December 2023), for the Presidential Leadership Council led by Rashad Al-Alimi and its supporting entities in achieving security and stability in Yemen.
This commitment aligns with a previous meeting between Al Budewi and UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg on May 20th, 2024. During this meeting, Al Budewi reaffirmed the GCC's support for international efforts promoting security, stability, development, and peace in Yemen, ultimately benefiting the Yemeni people.
The UN announced, on December 23rd, 2023, that Yemeni parties had reached agreements encompassing a nationwide ceasefire, measures to improve living conditions, and preparations for resuming a UN-led comprehensive political process. However, these efforts have been hampered by recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November 2023.