CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry emphasized his country’s support for Yemen when he met with his Yemeni counterpart, Shaya Mohsin Zindani, on Wednesday.

He also highlighted Egypt’s endorsement of efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis and end its humanitarian suffering.

Shoukry stressed Egyptian support for Yemen’s unity, institutions, independence and territorial integrity, underlining the critical importance of the country’s security and stability for the Red Sea region.

He said Egypt was keen to enhance cooperation with the Yemeni government in its efforts to develop infrastructure and rehabilitate human resources. He also discussed Egyptian efforts to provide support to the Yemeni people, particularly in supplying medical and food aid.

This is in addition to Egypt’s hosting of a large number of Yemeni citizens and providing them with necessary services.

Both sides expressed concerns over ongoing tensions in the Red Sea and their implications for navigation and trade security in the Suez Canal. They also reviewed the latest developments in the region covering Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Libya.

The two ministers also addressed the prolonged Israel-Hamas war and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s stance against Israel’s military control over the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, which has halted the flow of humanitarian aid. He said the aggression against Palestinians in Gaza was connected to the situations in the West Bank and Jerusalem, accusing the Israeli government of perpetuating a hostile environment for Palestinians.

He warned of the repercussions of ongoing escalation, which threatens to widen the conflict and severely impact regional security and stability.

The Yemeni minister expressed his country’s deep appreciation for Egypt’s supportive stance.