- FO urges a solution to the Yemen situation through diplomacy.
- Pakistan supports Yemen’s unity, territorial integrity: FO.
- Islamabad ready to play a role in strengthening the partnership.
Pakistan has appreciated the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, saying such efforts reflect the two countries’ “common desire for regional peace”.
Tensions flared in the region after a Saudi-led coalition carried out an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, hitting what it described as foreign military support for Yemen’s southern separatists.
In a statement on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s position to resolve the situation in Yemen through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Pakistan reiterates its commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen and hopes that the positive steps taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates contribute to a peaceful resolution of the issue,” he said.
The FO spokesman appreciated the “wisdom and foresight” shown by the leadership of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in relation to the situation in Yemen.
“Such efforts reflect a common desire for regional peace and stability by the two brotherly countries,” he said.
Andrabi maintained that Islamabad was ready to play its role in strengthening the values of partnership, brotherhood and unity for lasting peace and stability in the region.
The UAE announced the withdrawal of its forces in Yemen after the head of the country’s presidential council, Rashad al-Alimi, asked UAE forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabia also supported the call for UAE forces to leave Yemen.
The UAE was a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen from 2015.
In 2019, it began a withdrawal of its troops in the country, but remained committed to the internationally recognized government.
A few days earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he emphasized peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
During the telephone conversation on December 31 last year, both leaders discussed bilateral ties and the development of the situation in the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity and coordination within the Muslim Ummah to address the current challenges.
