MUSCAT — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deep appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for Oman’s vital humanitarian and diplomatic efforts that helped resolve the recent detention of several UN employees in Yemen.

According to the Oman News Agency, Guterres conveyed his gratitude during a phone call with Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, praising the Sultanate’s constructive role in facilitating the release of detained UN personnel and its ongoing commitment to dialogue and peace in the region.

The UN had earlier reported that armed Houthi forces detained about 20 UN staff members in Sanaa in mid-October, prompting international concern. Guterres lauded Oman’s mediation efforts in helping address the situation, describing the Sultanate as a trusted regional partner whose balanced diplomacy continues to uphold humanitarian principles and promote regional stability.