Sana’a – The British Ambassador to Yemen, Abda Sharif, has affirmed the existence of a “strong and solid” partnership between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia aimed at supporting Yemen’s stability and advancing peace efforts in the war-torn country.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ambassador Sharif praised the close coordination between London and Riyadh, particularly with Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, whom she described as “deeply experienced and highly respected.” She emphasized that the bilateral cooperation spans diplomatic, humanitarian, and security domains, and reflects a shared commitment to restoring order and promoting inclusive governance in Yemen.

“The UK and Saudi Arabia are working hand in hand to support Yemen’s legitimate institutions and to counter destabilizing activities in the region,” Sharif stated. She also reiterated Britain’s role in maintaining international attention on Yemen through its position as penholder on the UN Security Council file.

The ambassador’s comments come amid preparations for the upcoming Yemen Partnership for Maritime Security conference in Riyadh, which will bring together over 40 countries to bolster the capacity of Yemen’s Coast Guard and safeguard maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Sharif also warned that political fragmentation within Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council could undermine stabilization efforts and benefit armed groups such as the Iran-aligned Houthis. She called for unity among Yemeni leaders and urged international partners to increase pressure on Tehran to halt its support for the Houthis.

The UK’s support includes technical assistance, economic aid, and capacity-building programs, with recent funding commitments totaling £2.2 million annually over the next three years.