United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Thursday concluded a new visit to Muscat where he held talks with senior Omani officials, including Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry, Sheikh Khalifa Ali Issa Al-Harthy, to review recent developments and advance progress in the UN-led peace mediation efforts in Yemen.
Grundberg expressed his gratitude for Oman’s steadfast support and underscored the importance of coordinated regional and international engagement to help pave the way toward a political settlement, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) said in a statement.
The Special Envoy also met with Houthi’s chief negotiator, Mohamed Abdel Salam and discussed the need for a conducive environment for a meaningful and inclusive political process.
During his meetings, Grundberg reiterated the UN’s sustained engagement in securing the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel arbitrarily detained by Houthis.
The visit to Oman comes eight days after Grundberg concluded a round of discussions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates amid rising tensions and Houthi threats to prosecute dozens of UN staff.
In Riyadh, the Special Envoy had met with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Al-Zindani and Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah Al-Alimi. Discussions focused on recent developments and ongoing UN efforts to sustain momentum toward dialogue that can secure lasting peace and stability.
Grundberg also met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, emphasizing that achieving an inclusive political solution that reflects the aspirations of Yemenis and addresses regional concerns remains a shared priority.
He then held talks with the ambassadors of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (P5), as well as with other members of the international community in Riyadh. Discussions centered on ensuring a unified international approach in support of the UN’s mediation efforts.
In Abu Dhabi, Grundberg discussed with Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar and Minister of State, Lana Nusseibeh, recent developments in Yemen and the region, and ways to strengthen regional consensus and maintain dialogue to support stability in Yemen.
