[26/09/2024 05:51]

NEW YORK - SABA
The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and US Secretary of State affirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region's waterways, and their determination to deter the illegal actions of the Houthi terrorist militia.

The militia illegal actions threaten the lives and safety of sailors, shipping routes, international trade, and oil facilities in GCC countries.

This was stated in a joint ministerial statement issued following the recent meeting between the GCC and the United States on Wednesday in New York, chaired by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with participation from the foreign ministers of the GCC countries and the Secretary-General of the GCC, Jassem Al Budaiwi.

The ministers expressed their deep concern over the proliferation of advanced ballistic missiles and drones that threaten regional security and undermine international peace and security.

They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address Iran's activities in the region, including threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to support non-state actors seeking to destabilize the region.

They also expressed their support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing escalation.
The ministers voiced their deep concern regarding the humanitarian situation of Yemeni civilians, emphasizing the necessity for the Houthi militia to allow safe and swift humanitarian assistance access to all those in need without obstruction.

They pointed out that the Houthi attacks—both inside and outside Yemen—primarily harm the Yemeni people.

They called for the immediate release of all UN staff, NGOs, and diplomats unlawfully detained by the Houthis.

The ministers demanded the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2722 and stressed the importance of maintaining maritime security, calling on the Houthis to cease attacks against ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

They emphasized the importance of collective action to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and to respond to activities that threaten regional and global security and stability.

They expressed their strong support and ongoing participation in a meaningful, comprehensive peace process within the framework of the GCC initiative, the outcomes of the national dialogue in Yemen, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216 to resolve the long-standing conflict in Yemen.

The ministers praised the ongoing efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman to encourage inclusive Yemeni dialogue and to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Yemen.

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