Guterres: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are completely unacceptable, and we reaffirm respect for freedom of navigation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the repeated Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a special interview with Al Arabiya channel, he added that the Houthis’ attacks on Saudi Arabia are “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing the need to respect the rights and freedom of navigation, particularly in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Guterres met with Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), on the sidelines of Al-Budaiwi’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

Both parties condemned the Houthi militia’s attacks on the Kingdom, their targeting of civilian facilities, and the impact of these attacks on security and stability in the region.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several issues, most notably reviewing the cooperation relations between the GCC and the United Nations, and ways to enhance and consolidate them to serve their common interests. They also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and discussed several regional files and the efforts being made toward them.

The UN Secretary-General praised the development, progress, and prosperity achieved by the GCC member states, as well as their regional and international efforts to promote security and stability.