ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support security and stability in Yemen, praising the Kingdom’s role in serving the interests of the Yemeni people.
The Saudi Press Agency, citing a statement by the UAE on Friday, reported that Abu Dhabi has reaffirmed its support for all initiatives aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen, stressing that such efforts are essential to enhancing security and prosperity across the wider region.
Earlier, the Yemeni Shura Council praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s clear stance on the unilateral actions and recent military movements carried out by the Southern Transitional Council in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra governorates, the SPA reported.
In a statement, the Yemeni Shura Council affirmed its support for and endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s call on the Southern Transitional Council to take the initiative to de-escalate tensions and urgently withdraw its forces from the two governorates to prioritise the public interest and avoid any actions that could undermine security and stability.
The statement also praised the joint efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to stabilise the situation, facilitate the return of the Southern Transitional Council’s forces to their previous positions, and transfer control of military camps in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra to the Nation Shield Forces (NSF) and local authorities.
Additionally, the Yemeni Shura Council urged the Southern Transitional Council to promptly respond to calls for withdrawing its forces from the two governorates, emphasizing that such action is vital to protecting the interests of southern Yemenis and the country as a whole.
Since December 3, STC forces have seized control of parts of Hadramout after clashes with the Hadramout Tribes Alliance and First Military Region troops. Four days later, they extended their presence to Al-Mahra, which had previously been under government control.
The STC leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, holds a seat on Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council but has increasingly acted independently.
