A high-level meeting between Yemeni officials and the US Ambassador to Yemen, Stephen Fagin, focused on key issues related to the ongoing conflict and the country's economic challenges.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and member of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, met with Ambassador Fagin in Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen.

Al-Zubaidi stressed the importance of "issuing a regulation governing the work of the Presidential Leadership Council and activating the joint negotiating team to represent the council in any future negotiations." He also called for intensified support and solidarity for the PLC, emphasizing the need to strengthen its cohesion.

Ambassador Fagin, on behalf of the US government, expressed condolences to al-Zubaidi for the recent deaths of soldiers in a terrorist attack on a military base in Abyan Governorate. He reiterated the US government's commitment to combating terrorism and promoting security and stability in Yemen.

The US ambassador also reaffirmed his government's support for the PLC and its efforts to unify the internal front against the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the US. He pledged support for all efforts to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace in Yemen.

Regarding terrorism, al-Zubaidi stated that the Yemeni armed forces are determined to continue the fight against terrorism, pursuing extremist elements and dismantling their networks until they are eradicated. He emphasized that this is crucial for strengthening security and stability in liberated governorates and protecting regional and international interests.

He urged the US, the international community, and regional partners to support the Yemeni armed forces in combating terrorism and drying up its sources.

In a separate meeting, another member of the PLC, Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, discussed economic and service challenges facing Yemenis with Ambassador Fagin. Al-Mahrami highlighted the impact of Houthi terrorist activities on the country's economy, particularly the disruption of international shipping lanes, and the resulting worsening living conditions.

He stressed the importance of supporting the Yemeni government in restoring state institutions and implementing further economic and administrative reforms. He also emphasized the need to secure essential services for citizens.

Al-Mahrami discussed the UN-led efforts to revive the political process aimed at ending the conflict in Yemen and establishing peace in the region. He expressed concern over the continued Houthi escalation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, which negatively impacts the humanitarian situation.

He reiterated the PLC's support for regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace, commending the US support for the PLC and the government in this regard. He urged the international community to take stronger measures to deter the Houthi group and counter its attempts to sabotage efforts to end the war and achieve peace.

Ambassador Fagin expressed the US government's commitment to supporting the PLC and the Yemeni government in fulfilling their responsibilities to the people. He reaffirmed the US opposition to Houthi escalation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

The ambassador underscored Washington's commitment to securing international shipping lanes and supporting regional and international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.