[10/09/2026 06:04]

RIYADH – SABA
Minister of Foreign Sffairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah al-Zouba has affirmed that investing in the security of the Yemeni state and strengthening the capacity of its institutions to protect its territory, coastlines, ports, and territorial waters represents the least costly and most sustainable approach to safeguarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the security of international navigation and trade.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting Thursday with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Yemen Neil Hopp.

The two sides discuss the latest developments, the recent Houthi escalation, bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual concern.

Al-Zouba explained that protecting ships and responding to threats after they reach maritime corridors remain necessary measures.

However, she stressed that the most sustainable solution begins with empowering the Yemeni state to protect its coastlines, ports, and territorial waters, while strengthening the capabilities of the naval forces and coast guard and combating arms- and financing-smuggling networks.

She emphasized that investing in the capacity of the Yemeni state is a direct investment in the security of the Red Sea and regional and international interests.

She stressed that the state is acting on the basis of its legitimate sovereign right and its constitutional and legal responsibility to defend its citizens, armed forces, institutions, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and to confront attempts by the Houthi terrorist militia to impose new realities by force. She affirmed that the armed forces will continue to fulfill their duty to protect national and sovereign interests and prevent Yemeni territory and coastlines from being used as a platform for threatening neighboring countries and international maritime navigation.

Minister al-Zouba warned of the dangers posed by the continued Iranian support and arming of the Houthi militia, as well as its attempts to expand toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, noting that the resulting risks extend beyond Yemen to the security of the region, the Red Sea, and global trade. She stressed the importance of stopping the flow of weapons and funding to the militia and strengthening state institutions’ capabilities to confront sources of threat.

The Foreign Minister expressed the Republic of Yemen’s appreciation for its partnership with the United States, stressing the importance of continuing cooperation in supporting state institutions, combating terrorism and smuggling, and strengthening the security of the coastlines and maritime corridors in a manner that serves the security and stability of Yemen and the region.

For his part, the US diplomat reiterated his country’s stated position regarding the recent escalation, affirming that the Houthi militia and its Iranian backers miscalculated when they underestimated the determination of the Yemeni government, armed forces, and people to end Houthi aggression and brutality.

He noted that the Houthi militia’s actions had fueled the current escalation with documented Iranian support, adding that they had brought nothing but suffering to Yemen and turned the country into a base used by Iran to undermine Arab unity and security.

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