Al-Badawi praises the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman in the Yemeni prisoner exchange agreement
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, welcomed the important agreement reached on the exchange of prisoners in Yemen, which was signed in the Omani capital, Muscat. This announcement represents a new glimmer of hope in the Yemeni crisis, underscoring the active role played by Gulf diplomacy in resolving complex issues in the region.
Praise for the Saudi and Omani role
Commenting on the event, Al-Badawi commended the tireless and ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, which were instrumental in bringing the Yemeni parties closer together. He also praised the vital role of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross in facilitating the negotiations and reaching this positive outcome, which reflects an international and regional commitment to ending the humanitarian suffering.
The importance of the prisoners' issue in building trust
The issue of prisoners and detainees is one of the most complex and sensitive humanitarian files in Yemen since the outbreak of the conflict. The importance of this agreement lies in the fact that it is not merely a procedural step, but a crucial step towards building trust between the warring parties. Historically, prisoner exchanges in similar conflicts have been a key entry point for de-escalating military tensions and paving the way for broader political negotiations, as the return of detainees to their families helps alleviate public resentment and create a more conducive environment for peace.
Continued Gulf support for the stability of Yemen
This agreement is consistent with the firm positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council in support of legitimacy in Yemen and political solutions based on the three references represented by the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue, and Security Council Resolution 2216. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in this context, not only through political support, but also through humanitarian and economic initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people.
Aspirations towards a comprehensive political solution
Al-Badawi concluded his statement by expressing his hope that this agreement would provide a strong impetus for strengthening the path to peace and stability in the Republic of Yemen. He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains reaching a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that guarantees Yemen's security, stability, and unity, ends years of conflict, fulfills the aspirations of the Yemeni people for development and prosperity, and restores Yemen's active role in its Arab and regional environment.
