Yemen's president sends message to Macron on Houthi attacks
Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba delivered the letter to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who condemned attacks on Aden's Maashiq Palace.
Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi sent French President Emmanuel Macron a written message on Wednesday about Houthi attacks and ways to strengthen ties between the two countries, the news agency of Yemen's internationally recognised government Saba (Government) reported.
Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba delivered the letter during a meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and the two discussed bilateral cooperation, humanitarian harm caused by the Houthis and threats to regional and international security.
Al-Zouba said the Houthis have escalated their military campaign since June, deepening the humanitarian crisis, particularly in the city of Taiz, which she said remains under siege.
She warned that Houthi advances along Yemen's western coast endanger shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, as well as global trade and energy and food supplies.
Al-Zouba also pointed to growing links between the Houthis and militant groups in the Horn of Africa, naming al-Shabaab in Somalia.
The two sides discussed French support for strengthening Yemen's maritime and air security, protecting vital sites and preventing arms from reaching the Houthis.
Barrot reaffirmed France's full support for the Yemeni government and its sovereignty over the entire country, Saba (Government) reported.
He strongly condemned Houthi attacks, including the targeting of Maashiq Palace in Aden, and called the siege of Taiz a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
Barrot also said France would keep supporting Yemen through humanitarian aid and cooperation programmes.
The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, have been locked in a long-running conflict with the internationally recognised government, which is based in Aden.
