On the evening of November 4, 2024, Rashad Alimi, Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi on the sidelines of the 12th World Urban Forum.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Yemen, regional dynamics, and their economic and security implications, including issues related to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They also addressed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore stability for international navigation, as reported by the Yemeni news agency Saba.

Alimi briefed Sisi on the current status of regional and international mediation efforts aimed at launching a political process under the auspices of the United Nations, despite the Houthis' intransigence. He reiterated the Yemeni government's openness to various initiatives for achieving peace based on the agreed-upon three references.

He expressed gratitude for Egypt's support of the Presidential Leadership Council, the Yemeni government, and the Yemeni people, particularly acknowledging Egypt's hospitality toward the hundreds of thousands of Yemenis who have sought refuge from Houthi aggression and the devastating war.

In turn, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting Yemen's unity and stability, endorsing international efforts for a comprehensive political solution. He emphasized the importance of Yemen's security and stability to Egypt and its crucial role in the broader Arab region and the Red Sea, especially given the current security tensions in the area.

Alimi had arrived in Egypt on November 3 to participate in the World Urban Forum at the invitation of President Sisi. In his address during the forum, Alimi highlighted the escalating economic losses and challenges facing urban centers in Yemen due to the ongoing conflict, stating that the war has regressed approximately 16 Yemeni cities by decades.

He warned that according to UN Development Programme estimates, the war's economic toll could rise to $657 billion by 2030 if hostilities continue and the Houthis do not respond to calls for peace and the need to restore development.

The World Urban Forum, taking place in Cairo, gathered representatives from various countries, governments, academics, business leaders, urban planners, and civil society to discuss pressing urban challenges facing the world today.