GCC Welcomes Latest Commitment to a Ceasefire in Yemen

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
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GCC Welcomes Latest Commitment to a Ceasefire in Yemen

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Sunday the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-aligned Houthi militias recently announced commitment to take steps towards a ceasefire.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg made the announcement on Saturday.

“The Special Envoy will now engage with the parties to establish a roadmap under UN auspices that includes these commitments and supports their implementation,” said his office in a statement.

“The UN roadmap will include, among other elements, the parties’ commitment to implement a nationwide ceasefire, pay all public sector salaries, resume oil exports, open roads in Taiz and other parts of Yemen, and further ease restrictions on Sanaa Airport and the Hodeidah port. The roadmap will also establish implementation mechanisms and prepare for a Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices,” continued the statement.

Albudaiwi hoped these measures will help reach a comprehensive political solution to Yemen that would bring prosperity, security and stability to the people.

He stressed the need to continue making efforts to support the efforts of the Yemeni people to reach a roadmap for the future to restore the country's stability, development and prosperity in order to achieve the aspirations of the people.

He expressed gratitude for the great and valuable efforts made by the United Nations, Saudi Arabia and Oman, which helped in securing these crucial measures on time. 



Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Russian Foreign Minister

Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud holding a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - SPA
Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud holding a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Russian Foreign Minister

Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud holding a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - SPA
Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud holding a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - SPA

Crown Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting on Monday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which they reviewed bilateral relations, identifying areas for cooperation, and exploring ways to boost collaboration in various fields.
The Crown Prince extended a warm welcome to Lavrov who, in turn, conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s greetings and regards to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince.
The two sides discussed recent regional and international developments, as well as efforts to bolster security and stability. They addressed several matters of mutual interest, according to SPA.
Attending the meeting were Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
On the Russian side, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Saudi Arabia Sergey Kozlov, along with several other officials, attended the meeting.