Statement of the UAE on the current events in Yemen

Abu Dhabi, December 30 / WAM / The United Arab Emirates expresses its deep regret at what was stated in the statement of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the fundamental fallacies it contains, regarding the role of the UAE in the current events in the Republic of Yemen.

The UAE categorically refuses to involve its name in the tension occurring between the Yemeni parties, and deplores the allegations that have been made about exerting pressure or directing any Yemeni party to carry out military operations that affect the security of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or target its borders.

The United Arab Emirates affirms its constant concern for the security and stability of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its full respect for its sovereignty and national security, and its rejection of any actions that would threaten the security of the Kingdom or the security of the region, out of its belief that the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries constitute a basic foundation for the stability of the region, and that the UAE is always keen on full coordination with its brothers in the Kingdom.

The UAE stresses that its position since the beginning of the events in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra governorates has been to work to contain the situation, support paths of calm, and push towards reaching understandings that contribute to maintaining security and stability and protecting civilians, in coordination with our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the contents of the statement issued by the military spokesman for the coalition forces regarding the military operation in the port of Mukalla, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms its complete rejection of the allegations related to fueling the Yemeni conflict, and that the aforementioned statement was issued without consulting the member states of the coalition.

The Ministry confirms that the aforementioned shipment did not include any weapons, and that the vehicles that were unloaded were not intended for any Yemeni party, but rather were shipped for use by the Emirati forces operating in Yemen, stressing that the allegations circulating in this regard do not reflect the true nature of the shipment or its purpose. The Ministry notes that there was high-level coordination regarding these vehicles between the UAE and the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and an agreement that the vehicles would not leave the port, but the UAE was surprised by being targeted in Mukalla port.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Emirati presence in Yemen came at the invitation of the legitimate Yemeni government and within the Arab coalition led by the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of supporting the restoration of legitimacy and combating terrorism, with a full commitment to respecting the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen, noting that the UAE has made great sacrifices since the launch of the coalition operations, and has supported the brotherly Yemeni people at various stages.

The Ministry notes that these developments raise legitimate questions about the path to dealing with them and their repercussions, at a stage that requires the highest levels of coordination, restraint, and wisdom, taking into account the existing security challenges and threats associated with terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, the Houthis, and the Muslim Brotherhood, within the framework of international efforts aimed at combating terrorism and extremism, and enhancing opportunities for calm and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that dealing with recent developments must be done responsibly and in a way that prevents escalation, and on the basis of reliable facts and existing coordination between the concerned parties, in a way that preserves security and stability, safeguards common interests, and contributes to supporting the path of a political solution and ending the crisis in Yemen.

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