Special Envoy Grundberg concludes visit to Washington DC

16 May 2023

Special Envoy Grundberg concludes visit to Washington DC

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded today a visit to Washington DC where he met Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior U.S. officials to explore ways to support progress towards a Yemeni-owned political process under UN-auspices and a sustainable solution to the conflict.

“I am grateful to the continued support of the U.S. to my Office’s mediation efforts which was reiterated by Secretary of State Blinken. We agreed that all current efforts and momentum should gear towards an inclusive, intra-Yemeni political process under UN auspices as the way to reach a sustainable political settlement in Yemen,” Grundberg said, “We also discussed ways to sustain concerted international and regional advocacy to accompany the Yemeni parties on a path towards lasting peace and democratic transition.”

Grundberg also met with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, US Special Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, as well as other officials, politicians, and analysts.

Meetings focused on ways to support UN efforts to help the parties implement short-term and confidence building measures, achieve a sustainable ceasefire, and resume an inclusive dialogue facilitated by the UN. Grundberg also stressed the role of the international community as advocates and guarantors to encourage the parties’ continued constructive engagement and to prioritize the inclusivity and national ownership of solutions.