Cairo - The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, concluded a visit to Cairo today, where he met with Egyptian, Yemeni and regional figures.

The visit included a consultative meeting with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Permanent Representatives to the Arab League. The Special Envoy expressed his appreciation for the Arab League’s efforts to promote joint action and practical solutions which are critical in overcoming the serious challenges facing the Arab world. He also praised the Arab League's determination to end human suffering and increase respect to international humanitarian law. The Special Envoy urged the Arab countries to provide the necessary support to Yemen to help the country overcome its current crisis.

Following his meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Hassan Shukri, the Special Envoy stated, "We thank the Arab Republic of Egypt for the welcome it gives Yemeni citizens, as this provides them with a safe haven during these difficult times." Egypt is playing a pivotal role in the peace process, especially as it is currently hosting a large number of prominent Yemeni political figures from all parts of Yemeni society," he said.

The visit of the Special Envoy to Cairo coincided with the visit of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and was an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in Yemen. "We are counting on the efforts of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the pioneering role he plays in this critical period. We stress the importance of Arab unity to confront the crisis in Yemen, regional challenges and the problem of terrorism that threatens the whole world," said the Special Envoy.

The Special Envoy held several meetings with Yemeni politicians residing in Cairo and discussed with them the challenges facing the peace process and his proposals to avoid military confrontations around the port of Hodeidah. He pointed out that the texts of a Hodeidah proposal that have circulated are inaccurate and that the Hodeidah initiative is only part of a comprehensive plan of action aimed at improving the humanitarian, economic and health situation, ending the war and concluding a political settlement which ensures representation for all of Yemen’s political components. We are focusing our efforts as well on the resumption of salary payments and the reopening of Sana’a International Airport for commercial flights."

During his stay in the Egyptian capital, the Special Envoy met with Yemeni youth activists, civil society and members of the Yemeni Women‘s Pact for peace and security in order to hear their views on current challenges and inform them of his vision for the coming period. "In addition to my constant engagement with the political parties in Yemen, I am keen to always listen to the views of the Yemeni youth and civil society as their voice conveys the real sentiment of the Yemeni people. Their support for the peace process is exceptional and this encourages me to move forward in the hope of achieving progress in the peace process and ending the Yemenis suffering as soon as possible."