Yemeni Foreign Minister Stresses Political Solution and National Unity at Yemen International Forum
Yemeni Foreign Minister, Shai’a El-Zendani, stated on Sunday that the international reality we live in today is rapidly changing and accelerating. In his speech during the opening of the third edition of the Yemen International Forum, which is held over three days in Amman, Jordan, with the attendance of Yemeni and international figures, El-Zendani addressed the current situation in Yemen amid the ongoing war, emphasizing that the Yemeni government remains committed to a political solution.
El-Zendani continued by stating that the rebel forces do not understand the language of peace, highlighting that a political solution does not exclude the use of other available options, including force when necessary
He emphasized the importance of strengthening national unity in Yemen under the political legitimacy, stressing the significance of implementing international decisions regarding Yemen and preventing arms shipments to the Houthis. He also underscored the need to protect Yemen’s resources.
El-Zendani called for addressing the crisis in Yemen as a regional issue rather than just a purely internal Yemeni crisis, pointing out that the situation in Yemen impacts not only the country itself but the entire surrounding region.
In her speech, the Dutch Ambassador to Yemen, Janet Sebin, stated that dialogue in Yemen is essential. She expressed that the Dutch government supports the Sana'a Center, which organizes the Yemen International Forum, and thanked Jordan for hosting the event.
Ambassador Sebin also mentioned that many Dutch citizens have lived and worked in Yemen, and vice versa. She noted that the Netherlands is committed to promoting a fair and comprehensive peace process in Yemen. She discussed the impact of the Red Sea conflict on the peace process in Yemen and the consequences it has had, including the spread of fear. Additionally, Sebin referred to the decrease in humanitarian funding in Yemen after the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Julian Harnez, Assistant Secretary-General and UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, speaking at the forum, highlighted the importance of continuing efforts towards peace, aiming for a prosperous Yemen. Harnez clarified that his role is humanitarian, not political, and noted that he had come to Jordan from Sana'a, engaging with the local community in Yemen. He emphasized the importance of humanitarian projects to meet the needs of Yemenis, acknowledging the challenges faced in providing aid, and expressed his pride in working with the Yemeni government.
Majed Al-Madhaji, President of the Sana’a Center, stated that the forum aims to bring Yemenis together and stimulate discussions among them. He expressed gratitude to Jordan for hosting the forum, emphasizing that holding the forum in an Arab country carries significant meaning. He pointed out that the forum would address multiple issues related to Yemen.
The forum is considered the largest regular gathering of Yemenis to discuss the Yemeni crisis and contribute to pivotal dialogues on Yemen’s stability and regional security. It will be held from February 16-18, with participation from around 250 individuals, including Yemeni political leaders, tribal chiefs, women, minorities, youth, civil society representatives, as well as high-level regional and international policymakers, UN representatives, and experts in Yemeni and regional affairs.
The forum's agenda includes discussions on the UN-led peace process in Yemen, regional security, the economy, the humanitarian situation, transitional justice, the water crisis, and several other files. Additionally, the forum aims to facilitate constructive dialogue between Yemeni parties and enhance regional cooperation to mitigate the risks of further escalation or large-scale combat if conflicts reignit
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