President, 

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Acting Under-Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the representative of Yemen at today's meeting. 

The settlement of the Yemeni question requires political and diplomatic means. China hopes that all parties concerned will stay on the course of political solution, build consensus, meet each other halfway, jointly promote a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned comprehensive political process, and resolve tensions and differences through dialogue and negotiation. The international community should provide assistance and play a constructive role in this regard. Recently, thanks to the mediation of Special Envoy Grundberg, the Yemeni Government and the Houthis held talks on release of conflict-related detainees. Yesterday, the two parties agreed on several measures in relation to the banking sector and Yemenia Airways. China welcomes those positive developments. 

The ongoing tensions in the Red Sea are unsettling. We once again urge the Houthis to respect the right of navigation of commercial vessels under international law in the Red Sea, cease attacks, and maintain safe navigation in the Red Sea water. At the same time, we also call on other relevant parties to maintain restraint and halt any actions that may exacerbate tensions.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains grim. The international community should scale up humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen, support and help the government and people of Yemen to develop economy and improve living conditions. China expresses its serious concerns of the detention of UN personnel in Yemen. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel.

President,

The tensions in the Red Sea are a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict. The recent attacks between the Houthis and Israel have led to more precarious escalations. China calls for the full and effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and the promotion of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalations, and prevent plunging the entire region into an even greater catastrophe. China stays committed to working with the international community and making unremitting efforts for the political settlement of the Yemeni question and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East.

Thank you, President.