ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Wednesday expressed concern over the resurgence of violence in Yemen, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve ongoing tensions in the country.
The development takes place a day after the Saudi Arabia-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said it conducted a “limited” airstrike targeting two shipments of smuggled weapons and other military hardware coming from the Emirati port of Fujairah into Mukalla in southern Yemen.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson of the coalition forces, said the weapons were meant to support the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces, backed by the UAE, in Yemen’s Hadramaut and Al-Mahra “with the aim of fueling the conflict.” Shortly after the airstrikes, Rashad Al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s presidential council, told Emirati authorities to withdraw their troops from Yemen within 24 hours.
Disregarding previous agreements with the Arab Coalition, the STC separatist group launched a sweeping military campaign early in December, seizing the governorates of Hadramaut along the Saudi border and the eastern governorate of Al-Mahra in Yemen’s border with Oman.
“Pakistan expresses deep concern over resurgence of violence in Yemen,” the foreign office spokesperson said in a statement.
“Pakistan reiterates its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the country.”
The foreign office said it opposes unilateral steps by “any Yemeni party” that could further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts and threaten the country’s stability.
“Pakistan welcomes regional efforts for de-escalating the situation and maintaining peace and stability in Yemen,” the statement said. “Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its commitment to security of the Kingdom.”
The statement concluded with Islamabad calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions in Yemen. It also urged regional powers to work together for an “inclusive and enduring settlement of the issue.”
The STC’s advance has raised the specter of the return of South Yemen, a separate state from 1967 to 1990, while dealing a blow to slow-moving peace negotiations with Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over what it described as pressure by the UAE on STC forces to carry out military operations in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability.
The UAE announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units in Yemen on Tuesday, citing recent developments and concerns over the safety and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
It earlier reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty, rejecting any actions that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.
SHARIF SPEAKS TO SAUDI CROWN PRINCE
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later to discuss regional developments, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s fraternal relations, the statement said, noting they had reached “new heights” in recent months.
“The prime minister stressed the need to maintain unity and harmony within the Muslim Ummah in the face of various challenges,” the PMO said.
“Expressing Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he underscored that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to ensuring regional peace and stability.”
Sharif earlier met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss bilateral ties and recent regional developments, the PMO said.
Sharif, along with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials, separately met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Tuesday. The UAE president is on a private visit to the Pakistani city of Rahim Yar Khan following his first official visit to Islamabad earlier this month.
“The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas including IT, energy, mining & minerals, as well as defense cooperation,” Sharif’s office said on Tuesday.
