PLC VP Aradah and US Ambassador Discuss Economic Reforms, Houthi Threat

Major General Sultan al-Aradah, Vice President of the Yemen Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), held discussions today with US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, focusing on the latest developments in the country, support for economic reforms, and ways to bolster bilateral relations across various fields between the two friendly nations. During the meeting, Al-Aradah underscored the vital need for Yemen's allies, particularly the United States, to continue supporting the government’s efforts to implement a package of economic and financial reforms. He emphasized that these reforms are crucial for achieving economic stability and improving citizens' livelihoods. Al-Aradah highlighted the immense challenges facing the government, exacerbated by the "terrorist attacks" carried out by the Houthi militia. He pointed out that these attacks have specifically targeted the national economy, most notably by halting oil exports following strikes on commercial facilities and ports. He stressed that regional and international backing for the government’s efforts to revitalize the economy, enhance public services, and establish security and stability in liberated areas is a fundamental pillar for the success of the reform path and strengthening the government's ability to meet public needs. He also acknowledged the significant role of the support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in addressing urgent priorities. The PLC VP pointed out that the Houthi militia constitutes a real threat to international peace and security, citing the escalating armed attacks on global trade routes and waterways in both the Red and Arabian Seas. Al-Aradah stated that these "terrorist practices" clearly reflect the nature of the Houthi militia and their ties to the Iranian project aimed at destabilizing regional and international security. Al-Aradah commended the firm US position in supporting the PLC and the government’s efforts to achieve security and stability. He praised the US’s effective role in combating the smuggling of weapons and narcotics into Yemen and supporting security and military agencies in their related duties. He stressed the necessity of intensifying international pressure on the Houthi militia through all means to deter them, halt their crimes against the Yemeni people and international navigation, and bolster regional and international efforts to protect the region's security and stability. For his part, Ambassador Steven Fagin reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting the Presidential Leadership Council in steering the country through its current phase and overcoming political challenges. The Ambassador affirmed continued cooperation and coordination between the two countries to enhance economic stability, activate state institutions, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and jointly confront challenges in Yemen and the wider region.