- Abu Dhabi Calls for Full Enforcement of UN Security Council Resolutions to Protect Red Sea Navigation
RIYADH: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned recent statements by Yemen’s Houthi militia, including threats to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its full solidarity with the Kingdom and calling for strict implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions to safeguard regional security and freedom of navigation.
In a statement issued early Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Houthi threats as a serious concern and urged the international community to uphold international law and ensure the security of vital maritime routes.
UAE Urges Enforcement of UN Resolutions
The ministry called on the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722, which addresses the protection of navigation in the Red Sea.
The UAE also reaffirmed that freedom of navigation through international waterways is a fundamental principle protected under international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Full Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
The UAE reiterated its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and backed all measures aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and stability.
The statement underscored Abu Dhabi’s commitment to regional peace and collective efforts to counter threats to international maritime security.
Saudi Arabia Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate telephone conversations on Tuesday with his counterparts from Spain, Italy and Germany to discuss the Houthi threats against shipping in the Red Sea and ongoing efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier rejected the Houthis’ claim that they had imposed a maritime blockade on the Kingdom, describing the announcement as baseless and accusing the group of dragging Yemen into the broader regional conflict.
Saudi Highlights Humanitarian Support for Yemen
The Kingdom also emphasized its continued support for the Yemeni people through close cooperation with Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
In its statement, Saudi Arabia said it has worked for years to ease the humanitarian crisis by financing development projects, supporting the Yemeni government’s budget, and supplying petroleum products to operate power generation facilities across the country.
United Nations Calls for De-escalation
The United Nations also expressed concern over the renewed Houthi threats.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, called for immediate de-escalation and stressed the importance of respecting international obligations governing maritime security.
“We reiterate that Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) and subsequent resolutions related to Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels must be fully respected,” Dujarric told reporters.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
The latest exchange of statements comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the security of the Red Sea, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors.
Regional and international stakeholders continue to urge restraint, warning that any disruption to freedom of navigation could have significant implications for global trade, energy supplies and regional stability.
BY: The Times Union
