RIYADH: Saudi authorities welcomed an agreement reached during talks in Jordan for the exchange of more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees in Yemen.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the UN-brokered deal, signed in Amman, would help “alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the detainees and their families” and “enhance trust and opportunities for security and stability.”
The agreement, announced on Thursday by UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, followed 14 weeks of negotiations between the country’s warring parties and marked the largest agreed release of prisoners since the conflict began more than a decade ago.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry praised “all concerned parties” for their efforts to secure the agreement, and highlighted the role of Jordan as host of the talks in recent months. It also commended the UN envoy’s office for its work, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for helping to facilitate the negotiations.
“The Kingdom reiterates its support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace, security and stability in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people,” the ministry added.
