The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met Thursday in Moscow with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin.

During the meeting, Grundberg gave the Russian official a briefing on his communication with the parties and regional interlocutors and the work that his office is doing on the political, security and economic levels.

Grundberg expressed his deep concern about the successive effects of the regional escalation in the Middle East on Yemen, stressing that international cooperation and diplomatic efforts are the only way to reverse the current disturbing path affecting Yemen, the Red Sea and the region.

The two sides discussed ways to build on the parties’ commitments towards the comprehensive peace roadmap in Yemen in the midst of the current escalatory environment.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining the Security Council consensus on Yemen, and continuing efforts to cooperate towards reducing escalation for the benefit of Yemen and the region.

Discussions also focused on the arbitrary detention of UN staff, NGOs and civil society organizations by Ansar Allah. He expressed his appreciation for the support of the Russian Federation and provided a briefing on the efforts of the United Nations and his personal efforts for their immediate and unconditional release.