UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded a visit to Washington on Saturday, July 27, 2024, where he met with high-level U.S. officials to discuss the evolving situation in Yemen and explore ways to support an inclusive political process to resolve the conflict.

According to a statement released by Grundberg's office, monitored by Barran Press, the envoy held meetings with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations Michelle Sison, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, and U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.

During these meetings, Grundberg highlighted the challenges hindering mediation efforts in Yemen, including regional developments and the concerning escalation of the conflict since the beginning of the year.

Grundberg emphasized the need to prioritize peace, dialogue, and de-escalation in Yemen, stressing the importance of coordinated regional and international support to achieve this goal.

Last Tuesday, July 23, Grundberg's office announced an agreement between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, on several de-escalation measures related to the banking sector and Yemenia Airways.

Grundberg's office stated that it received written confirmation from both parties agreeing to "cancel recent decisions and measures against banks from both sides and to refrain from any similar decisions or measures in the future."

The agreement also included the resumption of Yemenia flights between Sana'a and Jordan, increasing the number of flights to three per day, and establishing daily flights to Cairo and India, or as needed.

The agreement further outlined plans to hold meetings to address administrative, technical, and financial challenges facing the airline, as well as initiate discussions on all economic and humanitarian issues based on a roadmap.

Grundberg acknowledged the significant role played by Saudi Arabia in reaching this agreement, affirming the UN's readiness to work with both parties to implement the agreed-upon measures. He also offered to facilitate communication with authorities in Jordan, Egypt, and India.

The UN envoy stressed the need for both parties to cooperate in achieving an economy that serves all Yemenis and supports the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process.

On December 23, 2023, the UN announced that the Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a set of measures, including implementing a nationwide ceasefire, taking steps to improve living conditions in Yemen, and engaging in preparations to resume an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

The roadmap and peace efforts in Yemen have been stalled since last November due to attacks by the Houthi group on commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.