Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has expressed strong support for diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reduce tensions in Yemen, signaling Cairo’s concern over recent developments and its commitment to preserving stability in the war-torn country and the wider region.
In a statement released on Friday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in Yemen and praised the Saudi and Emirati initiatives aimed at de-escalation. The ministry said these efforts were helping prevent further deterioration of the situation and could have a positive impact on regional security and stability.
Cairo reaffirmed its longstanding position in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, stressing its commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement emphasized the importance of safeguarding Yemen’s national institutions and protecting the resources of the Yemeni people, arguing that these steps are essential to restoring stability not only in Yemen but across the region. The ministry also highlighted the strategic importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route.
Egypt said it was counting on regional diplomatic efforts to advance de-escalation and calm, paving the way for a comprehensive political settlement that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability, development, and prosperity. The statement underscored Cairo’s view that a negotiated solution remains the only viable path to ending the conflict after years of war.
In parallel with the official statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with his Yemeni counterpart, Shaya al-Zindani. According to the foreign ministry, the two ministers discussed the current situation in Yemen and reviewed Saudi and Emirati efforts to lower tensions and promote security and stability. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for these initiatives, noting their broader implications for regional peace.
During the call, the Egyptian foreign minister also welcomed a recent agreement on the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen, describing it as a constructive step that could help create a more favorable environment for restarting the political process. Such confidence-building measures, Cairo believes, are crucial to rebuilding trust among the parties and sustaining momentum toward a negotiated settlement.
Egypt’s statements come at a sensitive moment, as Yemen faces renewed strains despite a significant reduction in large-scale fighting since a UN-brokered truce in 2022. The country remains deeply divided, with competing political and military factions and continued involvement by regional powers. Cairo’s intervention reflects growing concern among Arab states that renewed escalation could undermine fragile gains and threaten broader regional security, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
By publicly backing Saudi and Emirati mediation efforts, Egypt has positioned itself as a supporter of regional diplomacy aimed at preventing Yemen’s conflict from sliding back into open warfare, while reiterating its core principles of unity, legitimacy, and a comprehensive political solution.
