WASHINGTON — The United States is committed to advancing an inclusive peace process in Yemen, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is his phone call to Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek Saeed on Thursday.

The US secretary of state praised the legitimate government in Yemen to respond positively to a new peace initiative announced by Saudi Arabia recently.

In a statement, the spokesman of the US Department of State, Ned Prince said “Secretary (Antony) Blinken welcomed the Republic of Yemen Government’s support for a comprehensive, nationwide cease-fire and UN-led political talks and its continued engagement with UN Special Envoy Griffiths.”

Blinken in his talks with Saeed reiterated US support for the Yemeni government and encouraged all parties to work toward full implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, according to the statement.

The secretary of state thanked the Yemeni premier for his efforts to ease the suffering of Yemenis, including authorizing the arrival of four fuel ships at Hodeidah port to help mitigate the fuel shortage facing the country and get much-needed help to the people of Yemen.

"He stressed the need for a ceasefire and a durable and inclusive peace agreement to enable full economic recovery and to address the humanitarian crisis," the statement read. — SG