The 29th Joint meeting of the Council of the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) held in Kuwait this week reaffirmed its support for an inclusive Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices to reach a sustainable, inclusive and diplomatic solution to the conflict.
In a joint statement following the meeting the Council commended the ongoing efforts of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the UN Special Envoy, as well as ongoing contacts with all Yemeni parties, to revive the political process and achieve a comprehensive, sustainable political settlement
The GCC and EU Joint Council called on the Houthis to engage meaningfully in peace talks to end the crisis, cease their threats and attacks in the Red Sea, guaranteeing safe passage to ships and seafarers and proceed to the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained humanitarian staff.
The Joint Council expressed deep concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, reiterated the importance of principled humanitarian response, and stressed the need to preserve humanitarian space and ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructures throughout Yemen.
It emphasized the importance for GCC and EU countries to join efforts to mobilize both humanitarian and development assistance thereby enabling the Government of Yemen to meet its obligations, restore economic stability, and strengthen the role of the Central Bank of Yemen.
The Ministers underlined the urgency of addressing the looming and widespread malnutrition affecting millions of Yemenis, particularly children, women and other persons in vulnerable situations, as well as urgency of building economic resilience and creating job opportunities for Yemenis. To this end, the EU and GCC are committed to develop deepened partnerships and identify opportunities for triangular cooperation benefiting Yemen.