The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded today a visit to China where he met Shen Bo and Sun Lei, Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, and Cai Weiming, Deputy Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The visit comes as part of Grundberg’s engagement with international stakeholders, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, to advocate for concerted international accompaniment to Yemenis’ progress towards lasting peace and development.    

The Special Envoy discussed with Chinese officials recent progress and challenges in relation to UN-led mediation efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable nationwide ceasefire and starting an inclusive Yemeni-led political process under UN-auspices to reach a political settlement.

Grundberg expressed hope that dialogue and good neighbourly relations in the region contribute to creating a more conducive environment for the prospects of peace Yemen.

“I appreciate the constructive discussions I had here. This is a positive signal for increased levels of cooperation going forward in support of the United Nations’ peace efforts in Yemen,” Grundberg said, “The continued unity of the Security Council on Yemen will be essential, not just now and in the near future, but also on the long-term as Yemenis make their way towards peace and recovery.”