The ministerial-level strategic dialogue between Egypt and Yemen concluded on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Cairo, with both sides emphasizing the need for enhanced economic and trade cooperation, bolstering Red Sea security, and addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.

According to Yemen's official news agency Saba, the dialogue began with a bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries, followed by a broader session with delegations from both sides. The discussions centered around the escalating tensions in the Red Sea and their implications for maritime security, trade in the Suez Canal, and international transportation and commerce.

The talks stressed the importance of the international community playing a role in mitigating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and providing necessary funding for UN relief programs.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Shayeq Al-Zindani highlighted the key topics discussed, including bilateral relations and regional issues, emphasizing that Red Sea security was a significant focus.

The dialogue also addressed the reactivation of the joint higher committee chaired by the prime ministers of both countries, strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and exchanging expertise in training Yemeni diplomatic personnel through the Egyptian Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Studies Institute.

Both sides reviewed recent developments in regional affairs, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe facing the territory. They reiterated their rejection of Israeli practices and attempts to militarily control the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side, which has led to the halting of humanitarian aid.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt's support for the legitimacy in Yemen, represented by the Presidential Leadership Council.

According to the spokesperson and Director of Public Diplomacy at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Shoukry expressed Egypt's support for all efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, based on the Yemeni National Dialogue, the Gulf Initiative, the outcomes of recent Yemeni consultations in Riyadh, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216.

Shoukry emphasized Egypt's unwavering support for Yemen's unity, its institutions, its independence, and its territorial integrity, noting the paramount importance of Yemen's security and stability for Egypt's national security, the Arab region, and the Red Sea region.

He expressed Egypt's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Yemeni government in its efforts to develop infrastructure and rehabilitate human resources in various fields.

Egypt affirmed its openness to engaging in Yemeni development projects and reconstruction efforts.

The dialogue also addressed Egypt's efforts to provide various forms of support to the Yemeni people, particularly in terms of medical and food aid, as well as Egypt's hosting of a large number of Yemeni citizens on its territory, providing them with all essential living services similar to those offered to Egyptian citizens.

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the internationally recognized Yemeni government announced the resumption of its strategic dialogue with the Arab Republic of Egypt, after a 14-year hiatus due to the situation in Yemen.

On Monday, June 24, the Yemeni Foreign Minister for Expatriate Affairs, Shayeq Al-Zindani, arrived in Cairo on an official visit.

Yemen's official news agency Saba reported that Al-Zindani would co-chair the current round of strategic dialogue between the Republic of Yemen and the Arab Republic of Egypt with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.