The United States of America and the Gulf states stressed the importance of collective action in order to stop Houthi maritime attacks and ensure freedom of navigation in the region.

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the United States of America said, in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of their meeting in New York: “We stress 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.”

The statement called on the Houthi group to stop attacks against ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and to fully implement Security Council Resolution No. (2722) in this regard, and the importance of maintaining maritime security.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, the Emirates, Kuwait, and the United States, and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stressed that the attacks carried out by the group, whether inside or outside Yemen, are causing severe damage to the Yemeni people before any other party, and must stop.

The statement renewed calls from the United States and the Gulf states to immediately release all employees of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic bodies, who have been illegally detained by the Houthis for more than 100 days.

The ministers expressed their deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, stressing the need for the Houthis to provide safe, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all those in need.

While they praised the ongoing efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman to encourage comprehensive Yemeni dialogue and provide economic and humanitarian aid, the ministers renewed their strong support and continued participation in order to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen, in accordance with the three terms of reference, namely the Gulf Initiative, the outcomes of the national dialogue, and Security Council Resolution No. 2216.