Cairo- Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry underlined the need to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis in order to avoid the dangers of sliding into an extended conflict.

His comments came during his meeting on Monday in Cairo with his Yemeni counterpart Abdulmalik al-Mekhlafi.

Sources told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that the meeting was held in light of the current political stalemate, despite the legitimate government’s readiness to resume negotiations with the Houthis and the supporters of ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The sources stressed that the rebels in Sanaa have begun to “move away from the basic references to the settlement, namely the Gulf Initiative, the outcome of the Yemeni national dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216.”

They added that the Egyptian foreign minister has voiced his concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions in the country.

Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Ahmed Abou Zeid, said that Shoukry stressed Egypt’s continuous support to Yemen’s unity and stability, highlighting the urgent need for a “comprehensive political solution that avoids the dangers of sliding into an extended conflict and alleviates the sufferings of the Yemeni people.”

For his part, the Yemeni foreign minister expressed his thanks and appreciation for the political support that Egypt has always provided to Yemen in various international forums.

He praised, in this context, efforts exerted by the Egyptian diplomacy to back the Yemeni file, particularly the efforts made by the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations in Geneva, which is currently heading the Arab group in the Human Rights Council.

The two officials also discussed issues related to the bilateral relations and the situation of Yemenis residing in Egypt.

Mekhlafi also briefed Shoukry on the latest developments in the Yemeni political and security scene and the results of his consultations with various regional and international parties.