US envoy to Yemen meets government officials in Aden
The US Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, and the Chargé d’Affairs of the US Embassy in Yemen, Kathy Westley, arrived in Aden on Monday and discussed with the Yemeni Prime Minister and other government officials ways to end the war and efforts to implement reforms to “Reduce the Suffering” it has caused.
According to a statement issued by the US State Department spokesman, the US envoy met during the visit, Prime Minister Maeen Abdul-Malik Saeed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Governor of Aden Ahmed Hamid Lamlas, other senior government officials, and representatives of Yemeni civil society.
The visit comes at a time when Yemenis are suffering from severe economic instability, as well as security threats, according to the statement.
“It is time for Yemenis to stand together to end this war, implement bold reforms, revive the economy, combat corruption, and alleviate suffering,” Lenderking stressed.
Chargé d’Affairs, Ambassador Westley, stressed that “the US welcomes the commitment of the Prime Minister, and supports the government’s presence in Yemen.”
Westley called on the Yemeni government to “make more efforts to implement reforms that would help alleviate the suffering caused by the war.”
The US delegation urged the Yemeni government to “continue to strengthen internal coordination, including with the Southern Transitional Council and other groups, warning that the division weakens all parties and only exacerbates the suffering.”
The US government called on countries in the region and others to increase economic support for Yemen, noting that improving basic services and economic opportunities is an important step to building a stronger foundation for peace.
“This visit shows that the US remains committed to helping Yemenis shape a brighter future for their country,” the statement added.
Later, the Yemeni prime minister said that he discussed with the US delegation “the latest developments, international and international efforts to bring peace, in addition to efforts to support the government in facing the existing challenges in the economic, service and humanitarian aspects.”
