The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong denunciation of the recent remarks made by the Houthi group targeting Saudi Arabia, which included threats of implementing a maritime blockade against the kingdom. This response was articulated through a statement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the importance of upholding international mandates related to Yemen and the security of maritime routes in the Red Sea.
In its statement, the ministry underscored the necessity for global cooperation in enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly referencing Resolution 2216 that pertains to Yemen and Resolution 2722 which deals with safeguarding navigation rights and ensuring freedom of passage in the Red Sea. These resolutions are critical frameworks aimed at maintaining stability and legal order in regions susceptible to conflict and disruptions.
The UAE highlighted the principle that freedom of navigation in international waters is a right enshrined under international law, notably outlined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This convention serves as a comprehensive legal framework governing the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world’s oceans, promoting peaceful and cooperative navigation.
Reaffirming its position, the UAE expressed unyielding solidarity with Saudi Arabia, backing the kingdom in its efforts to safeguard its security and stability. The statement signifies a call for international engagement and support to uphold the norms and resolutions that protect maritime routes and regional peace, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to a cooperative approach in addressing threats to security in the Gulf region.