Yemen and Djibouti to Enhance Cooperation on Maritime Security
Major General Tareq Saleh, a member of the Presidential Council, discussed maritime security threats in the Red Sea with Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh during a meeting in Djibouti, said the state-run News Agency on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed regional and international developments, activating joint efforts in the interest of both countries and their fraternal peoples and addressing the growing threats to international navigation in the Red Sea. Guelleh and Saleh emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly maritime security, and coordinating on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Saleh praised Djibouti's positive and responsible role in maintaining the security of the Red Sea. Guelleh said that the security and stability of Yemen are of concern to all countries bordering the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, and he reiterated his country's steadfast and committed support for the UN-recognized government in Yemen. Over the past few days, the Houthi group attacked Israeli-linked commercial ships, sparking concerns about the security of the international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
The state-run Saba News Agency reported on Wednesday that Yemeni and Saudi officials engaged in discussions in Vienna today to strengthen mutual cooperation and trade relations between the two nations. It said the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohammed Al-Ashwal, met with his Saudi counterpart, Bandar Al-Alkhorayef, to enhance the frameworks of collaborative cooperation and trade relations, particularly in all areas related to industrial development and achieving sustainable development.Alkhorayef reiterated Saudi Arabia's readiness to support Yemen in various programs, initiatives, and projects to strengthen trade relations. This support aims to benefit both countries and their people, creating developmental opportunities and achieving productive efficiency that adds value to the Yemeni economy.
On Tuesday, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg met senior Omani officials and expressed appreciation for Oman's consistent support for the UN peace efforts, said the Office of the Envoy. Grundberg Envoy also met with Mohammed Abdel Salam, Ansar Allah's Chief Negotiator, to discuss opportunities to foster cooperation between Yemeni stakeholders to address urgent economic issues, establish a sustainable nationwide ceasefire, and resume an inclusive political process under the auspices of the United Nations. According to the UN envoy's Office, the Special Envoy also met with representatives of diverse Yemeni political parties to explore ways to progress towards a political solution that reflects the priorities and aspirations of all components of the Yemeni society.
The near-daily attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have stopped since a truce between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week, the Pentagon said Tuesday.American forces in the two countries have been targeted with rockets and drones more than 70 times since mid-October. "There have been no attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since November 23, since the operational pause began," Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told journalists. The attacks have caused injuries to dozens of American personnel who are in Iraq and Syria as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State jihadist group.
