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 diplomatic and humanitarian achievement of reaching an agreement on the exchange of prisoners in Yemen, which was signed in the Omani capital, Muscat. Al-Budaiwi affirmed that this step represents a new glimmer of hope for ending the prolonged humanitarian suffering in Yemen.
Al-Badawi particularly commended the tireless and sustained 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 played by 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 these negotiations and providing the necessary guarantees for their success, reflecting the integrated regional and international efforts to resolve the crisis.
The importance of the humanitarian file and building trust
This agreement comes at a crucial time, as the issue of prisoners and detainees is one of the most complex and sensitive humanitarian files in Yemen. The significance of this diplomatic breakthrough lies in its role as a cornerstone for building trust between the warring parties. The success of prisoner exchanges not only has a humanitarian impact by reuniting families and ending the suffering of detainees, but also paves the way, both politically and psychologically, for broader negotiations concerning a comprehensive ceasefire and economic and political arrangements.
The Saudi and Omani role in supporting stability
Historically, Saudi Arabia and Oman have played pivotal roles in efforts to resolve the Yemeni conflict. The Kingdom, which has presented numerous peace initiatives, continues its efforts to transform the fragile truce into a lasting peace, while Muscat has leveraged its balanced relationships to host rounds of dialogue and bridge the gaps between opposing viewpoints. This agreement is a fruit of this joint Gulf coordination, which prioritizes the interests of the Yemeni people and the security of the region.
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, unity, and territorial integrity, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of the Yemeni people for development and prosperity and ending years of conflict that have depleted the country's resources.
