Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has reiterated his country's firm position in supporting all efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis. The minister's remarks came during his meeting, on Sunday, with Martin Griffiths, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen. Ahmed Hafez, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Shoukry confirmed that the political solution meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people in terms of security, stability, and development. The solution also serves to end Yemen's protracted and worsening humanitarian crisis. This comes in accordance with the main terms of reference for the settlement represented in the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216. Shoukry stressed the firm Egyptian position in support of the current legitimacy, and support for the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of the Yemeni state. He added that Yemen's security and stability is of utmost importance to Egyptian national security and that of the Arab region in general. It is also of special importance to the security freedom of navigation in the Bab Al-Mandab strait, which is important for the Egyptian national security. Shoukry also clarified Egypt's categorical rejection and condemnation of the ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, as well as Egypt's support for Riyadh in all measures it takes to defend its national security. In this regard, he affirmed Egypt's support and welcome for the Saudi initiative to solve the Yemeni crisis. For his part, Griffiths briefed Shoukry on the latest developments in Yemen, and his vision for the future of the situation in the country, as well as his current efforts to achieve a ceasefire. He also stressed that the resumption of the political process aims to reach a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Yemeni crisis. Griffiths appreciated the Egyptian role in supporting the political solution and providing continuous support to the Yemeni people, in addition to the care provided by Egypt to the Yemeni community it hosts. Shoukry expressed Egypt's support for the efforts of the UN envoy to Yemen and his endeavours to advance the path of a political solution.
