Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan: We call on the Houthi militia to immediately halt attacks

On Friday, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan called on the Houthi militia to immediately cease all military actions, threats, and attacks, and to return to the political process in good faith. The ministers condemned the continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab, reaffirming their full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government. This came in a joint statement following a meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries, which form the “Quadrilateral Group,” in Istanbul, to discuss several regional issues and enhance diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond, in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. The ministers strongly condemned the Houthi escalation, which has exacerbated the humanitarian suffering in Yemen, as well as attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. Regarding the military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the ministers emphasized the necessity of addressing the conflict exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy, and preventing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including ships. They expressed support for the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad, welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, and renewed their commitment to reaching a sustainable negotiated settlement. The ministers stressed the paramount importance of freedom of navigation and ensuring the security and safety of maritime transport, protecting navigation rights and freedoms, warning that the disruption of sea routes threatens global security and prosperity. They clarified that disruptions to maritime traffic disrupt global supply chains and the flow of energy, fertilizers, and food, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations in the region and beyond. The ministers rejected any measures or restrictions that impede legitimate navigation, calling for the swift and full resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in a secure, safe, and unimpeded manner.