The government of Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the release of two Mexicans who were part of the crew of the cargo ship, ‘Galaxy Leader’, and who had been kidnapped by Houthi militants from Yemen in November 2023.
“On behalf of the Government of Mexico, The SRE appreciates the determined support granted by the Sultanate of Oman for its good offices, to Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, to the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and to the honorary consuls of our country in Yemen and Oman,” says a statement from the Mexican Foreign Ministry.
The Mexicans who were released are Marcos Gómez Jerez and Arturo Alberto Zacarías Meza, who were received by the Mexican ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Aníbal Gómez Toledo, and by personnel from that diplomatic representation.
“Since the capture of the ship, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) deployed intense diplomatic activity to achieve his release through efforts and contacts through the governments of friendly countries, including Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which contributed to facilitating communication with the Houthi representatives,” says the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To achieve their release, the Mexican Foreign Ministry points out that permanent contact was always maintained with the families of the Mexicans who were provided with information and support throughout the process.
“As a result of these efforts, both compatriots were allowed frequent and direct telephone communication with their families. and the access of the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Yemen to the detainees was authorized, who confirmed their good health and ensured that they received dignified treatment,” he explains.
“It is important to mention that the Houthi leadership had conditioned the release of the “Galaxy Leader” crew. -including both compatriots- to a ceasefire and an improvement in conditions in Gaza, which is why the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas facilitated their release,” the Mexican Foreign Ministry states.
The Houthi assault on the cargo ship ‘Galaxy Leader’ took place on November 19, 2023after weeks of missile and drone launches by Yemeni insurgents against Israel in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The ship, which was heading from India to Türkiyeis a vehicle transporter that sailed under the flag of the Bahamas and was partially owned by Israeli magnate Rami Unger, according to local press.
However, on the day of the ship’s capture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that “the ship is owned by a British company and operated by a Japanese company” and, on board, “there are 25 members of the crew of different nationalities, including from Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Philippines and Mexico.”
Keep reading:
• Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo makes history by taking the oath as the first President of Mexico
• Claudia Sheinbaum recognizes the work of migrants and assures that it is time for women
• Sheinbaum will assume the presidency of Mexico with 63% favorable opinion among Mexicans