Saudi Arabia welcomes the Amman agreement to exchange detainees in Yemen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its profound welcome for the positive step represented by the signing of the Amman Agreement on the exchange of detainees in Yemen. This important agreement, reached in the Jordanian capital, Amman, marks a genuine breakthrough in one of the most complex humanitarian issues. The Kingdom affirmed that this positive development directly contributes to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of detainees and their families, and strengthens trust-building among the parties involved, thus opening new horizons for security and stability in the region. The Ministry commended the sincere efforts exerted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in hosting the negotiations, as well as the tireless endeavors of the Office of the Special Envoy of the United Nations to Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Details of the Amman agreement for the exchange of detainees and the number of those released
The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki al-Maliki, announced the success of negotiations that led to the signing of the Amman Agreement for the exchange of detainees. The agreement stipulates the release of 1,750 prisoners and detainees from all Yemeni parties and the Coalition forces. Major General al-Maliki explained that this deal includes the release of 27 prisoners and detainees from the Coalition forces, including seven Saudi prisoners. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Joint Forces Negotiation Committee, with the participation of the Yemeni parties, and under the direct auspices of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg.
The historical roots of the Yemeni crisis and efforts to de-escalate the situation
The roots of the Yemeni crisis lie in the coup that took place in the country in late 2014, which prompted the intervention of the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 at the request of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Over the past years, Yemen has experienced a humanitarian crisis described as the worst in the world. Amid these conflicts, the issue of prisoners and missing persons has emerged as one of the most prominent humanitarian challenges. Previous agreements, such as the 2018 Stockholm Agreement, have formed the cornerstone of such humanitarian initiatives, with prisoner exchanges being a pivotal step in building trust and paving the way for comprehensive peace negotiations to end years of armed conflict.
The human and political dimensions of the exchange process and its expected impact
This agreement holds immense significance that extends far beyond the mere release of individuals, impacting multiple levels. Domestically, it ends the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families who have awaited the return of their loved ones for years, thus contributing to the restoration of social cohesion. Regionally, the agreement reflects the success of Saudi and Gulf diplomacy in de-escalating tensions, establishing stability in the Arabian Peninsula, and securing maritime navigation and borders. Internationally, this step aligns with UN Security Council resolutions and the United Nations' efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis, giving a significant boost to global peace efforts.
The Arab coalition's commitment to the humanitarian file
In his remarks, Major General Turki al-Maliki affirmed that the issue of prisoners and detainees is primarily a purely humanitarian matter, receiving direct attention and utmost care from the leadership of the Joint Forces of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. He emphasized that the Coalition will spare no effort in continuing its support for this sensitive issue until the safe return of all prisoners and detainees to their families is ensured. Through these positions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for security, stability, and prosperity.
