Yemen's stability key to Red Sea security, says former minister

Tareq Salem Al-Akbari, a member of the Supreme Coordination Council of Hadhramaut and former Yemeni Minister of Education, asserted that Yemen's stability is the cornerstone of security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait. He emphasized that the Houthi militia's continued control over state institutions and their threats to maritime navigation have transcended internal Yemeni affairs to become issues impacting regional and international security, as well as the global economy.

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The stability of Yemen represents the fundamental pillar for ensuring the security of the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

In an interview with Okaz, Al-Akbari stated that the Bab al-Mandab should not be used as a tool for pressure or bargaining in regional conflicts. He called for empowering Yemeni state institutions to reclaim their role in protecting coastlines and securing maritime routes. He also commended the significant role played by Saudi Arabia in supporting Yemen politically, developmentally, and humanitarily. Al-Akbari highlighted Hadhramaut's potential to serve as an economic and logistical center for Yemen and the wider region.

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The Bab al-Mandab should not be turned into a card for pressure or bargaining in regional conflicts.

Discussing the escalating tensions at Bab al-Mandab, Al-Akbari described it as a vital artery for international trade, energy security, and global supply chains. He reiterated that any instability in Yemen directly affects maritime security and the global economy. He stressed that the security of this vital strait requires regional and international cooperation that respects Yemen's sovereignty and supports its legitimate institutions. Al-Akbari believes that neutralizing Iranian interference and ending the Houthi militia's disruptive actions are essential for protecting Yemen, the region, and the world. He concluded that military solutions alone are insufficient, and that supporting legitimate state institutions and fostering national dialogue are the true guarantees for long-term stability.

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We cannot accept turning Bab al-Mandab into a negotiation card in regional conflicts, as the security of this strait requires regional and international cooperation that respects Yemen's sovereignty and supports its legitimate institutions.