Saudi Arabia and the UK Stress the Need to Secure the Red Sea Amid Escalating Threats

Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have emphasized the importance of ensuring the security and stability of the Red Sea to safeguard the global economy from growing threats. This stance follows continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which have persisted for over a year.

These affirmations were part of a joint statement released after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Saudi Arabia. Both nations reiterated their full support for Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and highlighted the necessity of backing UN and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive political resolution to the Yemeni crisis.

The two countries also agreed on the critical role of Red Sea stability in maintaining global economic stability.

Meanwhile, the Houthi militia continues to launch drone and missile attacks on cargo ships navigating the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, claiming these actions are in "solidarity with Gaza" amid the ongoing conflict there since October 7, 2023.

These attacks have severely disrupted shipping, trade, and global supply chains, forcing many companies to seek longer alternative routes to ensure safety. This has significantly impacted the economies of countries bordering the Red Sea.