NEW YORK, March 15 (Xinhua) — The UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Wednesday welcomed the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations , negotiated by China.
“Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome the recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the restoration of diplomatic relations, which was facilitated by the People’s Republic of China. This dialogue and good neighborly relations are important for the region and for Yemen,” Mr. Grundberg told the United Nations Security Council via video link.
The parties concerned should seize the opportunity presented by this regional and international momentum to take decisive steps towards a more peaceful future, he said.
“It takes patience and a long-term perspective. And it takes courage and leadership. Much has been achieved in the past year and now is the time to move on. next steps,” he said.
Mr Grundberg said that since a truce came into effect in April 2022, Yemenis have been enjoying lower levels of violence. Apart from the relative calm, some elements of the truce continue to be implemented, resulting in improved livelihoods for Yemenis, but such progress remains fragile, he noted.
There is an urgent need to build on the gains of the truce and work towards a national ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement to end the conflict in Yemen, he added. END