Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, has formally expressed his appreciation to Engineer Salem Basameer, director of Mukalla Port in Yemen, for his “heroic and humanitarian” role in ensuring safety and preserving lives and property at the vital maritime facility.

The acknowledgment came during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, where the defence minister underscored the critical importance of Mukalla Port’s operations and the exemplary leadership demonstrated by Basameer amid a period of heightened regional security concerns and logistical pressures.

In public remarks shared via the minister’s official social media account, Prince Khalid highlighted Basameer’s decisive actions to protect port personnel and cargo, reflecting a deep commitment to public safety and operational integrity.

The commendation also served to underscore Saudi Arabia’s broader support for stabilisation efforts in southern Yemen, particularly in Hadramawt province where Mukalla is a linchpin for civilian and commercial maritime traffic.

The defence minister’s praise arrives against the backdrop of shifting security dynamics in the region, including recent military and logistical developments linked to the ongoing conflict in Yemen’s wider theatre.

While the port has remained a hub for humanitarian and commercial shipments, its leadership has had to navigate complex operational challenges, emphasising the role of capable and steady management in maintaining critical infrastructure.

Basameer’s recognition by Riyadh reflects both individual merit and the strategic importance of Mukalla Port to Yemen’s economic lifeline and regional engagement.