Russian Presidential Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov held discussions with Yemeni Ambassador to Moscow Ahmed Salem Al-Wahishi regarding the crisis settlement in the republic. During the meeting, they reaffirmed the significance of bolstering international support for efforts aimed at initiating an inter-Yemeni national dialogue under the auspices of the UN.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a released statement following the meeting, "During the exchange of views on the resolution of the military-political crisis in Yemen, the importance of enhancing international support for endeavors geared towards facilitating the timely establishment of conditions for commencing the inter-Yemeni national dialogue under the UN's auspices was underscored."
The ministry further noted that the meeting also addressed "a range of pressing issues pertaining to the ongoing advancement of the longstanding amicable Russian-Yemeni relations, including the agenda for relevant bilateral engagements."
Crisis in the Red Sea
In the wake of heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement issued warnings of potential strikes on Israeli territory and declared its intent to block vessels associated with Israel from traversing the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the situation in the Palestinian enclave is resolved. Since mid-November of the preceding year, the Houthis have targeted numerous civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In response to Ansar Allah's actions, US authorities announced the formation of an international coalition and the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure the security of ships in the Red Sea. On January 12, the armed forces of Great Britain and the United States conducted airstrikes on Houthi facilities in several Yemeni cities, employing aircraft, ships, and submarines. The targeted sites included missile and drone installations, along with rebel radar stations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS