JEDDAH: The German ambassador to Yemen praised Saudi Arabia’s mine-clearing efforts during a visit to Marib on Thursday.
Ambassador Thomas Schneider visited the headquarters of the Masam Project for Landmine Clearance where he was briefed on the project’s work to clear explosive devices left over from the war.
During the visit, Schneider underscored the importance of these humanitarian activities, describing them as essential to protecting civilians and supporting stability and development in conflict-affected communities.
According to Masam, the ambassador said the visit provided an opportunity to observe the project’s work firsthand and expressed his appreciation for the invitation.
“The scale of suffering caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war makes this mission exceptionally important from a humanitarian standpoint,” Schneider said, noting the severe and long-term impact such hazards continue to have on civilians, particularly woman and children.
He reaffirmed Germany’s support for the project, saying it plays a direct role in protecting communities and reducing the daily risks faced by residents, particularly in areas that have experienced armed conflict in recent years.
The ambassador said the visit left him deeply impressed by the scale of the work being carried out and the dedication of demining teams operating in the field.
During the visit, Sean Wells, Masam’s operations manager in Marib, showed Schneider and his delegation photographs of landmines and unexploded ordnance recovered from various parts of Yemen.
The exhibition also highlighted the suffering of victims, particularly women and children, and documented the efforts of engineers and specialists working with the project’s field teams.
The German delegation was also briefed on Masam’s operational procedures, humanitarian activities and the challenges faced by demining teams.
