RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council Nayef Al-Hajraf recently met the US special envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed developments in Yemen, with Al-Hajraf expressing his appreciation for the US urging an immediate cessation of the Houthi offensive on Marib, which is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

He praised the US keenness to complete the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, achieve stability, and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Both officials stressed the importance of providing international support for the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and enabling it to play its role in achieving stability in Yemen, ending the Houthi manipulation of fuel revenues and prices, and allowing humanitarian aid.

Al-Hajraf and Lenderking condemned the militia’s ongoing targeting of Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles and booby-trapped drones, which represent a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability.

They also stressed the need to immediately stop the military escalation by the Houthis and put an end to its crimes against civilians and displaced people.

They called on the Houthis to respond to the Saudi ceasefire initiative, engage in the peace process, and prioritize the interests of Yemen and Yemenis.