[22/10/2026 02:16]

RIYADH - SABA
Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah al-Zouba discussed developments in Yemen and ways to strengthen French support for the Yemeni government and enhance bilateral political and security cooperation with French Ambassador to Yemen Véronique Vouland-Aneini on Thursday.

Dr. al-Zouba stressed the need for a firm international stance against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia, calling for intensified efforts to weaken its military capabilities, cut off its funding sources, and end its threats to Yemen and the wider region. She said such efforts would contribute to restoring state institutions and consolidating security and stability.

She warned of escalating threats posed by the Houthi militia to international shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, highlighting the repercussions for regional security, global trade, and energy prices. She also stressed that the militia's growing military capabilities and ties with armed and terrorist groups operating outside the law in several countries pose a direct threat to regional and international security and stability.

The minister affirmed that the Houthi militia does not represent the Yemeni people and continues to commit serious violations against them, including recruiting children and sending them into combat, as well as violating citizens' rights and fundamental freedoms. She emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with the international community to expose these violations and highlight the implications of the militia's practices for regional and international security.

For her part, French Ambassador Véronique Vouland-Aneini expressed France's solidarity with Yemen and affirmed her commitment to providing the French government with a clear and comprehensive picture of developments in the country. She also acknowledged the challenges facing Yemen and their repercussions across various sectors.

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