The presidency of the Republic of Yemen welcomed the visit of a Saudi-Emirati military team to the provisional capital of Aden within efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring normalcy in the eastern provinces.

The presidency confirmed that the visit is part of Saudi Arabia and the UAE's attempts to strengthen the unity of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government, working towards re-establishing stability in the eastern provinces and returning conditions to their previous state.

A scene from the meeting in Aden

The official Yemeni News Agency quoted a source in the presidency’s office as saying the joint military team’s consultations in Aden will focus on recent unilateral actions, including the withdrawal of forces brought in from outside the eastern provinces, and on enabling the government and local authorities to perform their duties in accordance with the constitution and the law.

He said the Yemeni leadership believes any further escalation could undermine recent gains, divert focus from the fight against the Houthi militias and harm economic reform efforts. He added that the leadership remains committed to political solutions and supports the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and regional and international partners to maintain unity against the Iranian-backed Houthi threat.