Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their important briefings.

In 2015, at the official request of the Government of Yemen, the UAE joined the framework of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

And over the last decade, together with our Yemeni, Coalition and international partners, the UAE made important contributions to the security and stability of Yemen and the region – liberating Aden, removing Al-Qaeda from Mukalla, securing Yemen’s western coast, and defending Marib.

For the UAE, the aims were clear: to protect Yemen and its people from Houthi aggression, to combat terrorism, and, in doing so, to promote the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen — as well as regional and international peace and security. This was achieved at significant cost to my country — some of our brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and the Houthis carried out a deadly terrorist attack on our soil. 

At the same time, the UAE sought to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. To that end, we provided more than USD 8 billion in humanitarian and development assistance, supporting the immediate needs of the Yemeni people. Additionally, the UAE also provided support to enable the legitimate Government of Yemen to deliver basic services.

Mr. President,

On 30 December, the UAE decided to withdraw all of its remaining military personnel from Yemen. That withdrawal is now concluded.

While our operations in Yemen have now ended, our solidarity with the Yemeni people remains as resolute as ever, as they strive for stability, security and prosperity.

So, at this critical juncture for Yemen, the Council must not resign itself to an approach of managing, rather than resolving, this conflict. It is time to redouble efforts in pursuit of peace, security and stability in Yemen and the region.

Thank you, Mr. President.