while combating trafficking in human beings, drugs, arms, migrant smuggling, endangered wildlife species illegal trade and other criminal activity. HORN OF AFRICA We remain concerned by the severe drought crisis that affects countries in the Horn of Africa and wider region. It has a devastating humanitarian cost as well as political, economic stability and migration consequences. We call on the international community to respond effectively to this challenge and make a strong effort to minimise its impact and help to build longer term resilience in the countries. We welcome the positive step marked by the recent elections and the ongoing institution-building process in Somalia. We note that the London Somalia Conference in May provides an important opportunity to accelerate the delivery of critical political, security, economic and development commitments necessary for Somalia to become a more stable, secure and prosperous state. YEMEN The severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen, due to the ongoing conflict, has significant repercussions on the future prospects for all Yemenis and the region’s peace and stability and continues to be cause for serious concern, especially given the potential for famine in parts of the country. We renew our urgent and pressing call for all parties to the conflict to avoid harming civilians, immediately agree to establish a durable cessation of hostilities, return to the political dialogue under the UN leadership and ensure full and safe humanitarian access to all ports of entry and to all regions of the country, for the benefit of all groups of society who are facing further severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, with risk of imminent famine. It is vital that Yemen returns to a path of development; this is the only way to ensure both a sustainable and prosperous future for Yemen and the security of the country and the region. An inclusive, peaceful political solution to the crisis is the only viable option. We call for all sides to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy in order to re-establish a cessation of hostilities and to restart talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement, we fully support the mediation efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and we encourage the UN to step up its efforts. Achieving durable peace in Yemen is vital to realize the stability in the region as a whole and remove the space for terrorist organizations to thrive. We reiterate our commitment to counter all forms of terrorism in Yemen. Joint Communiqué | G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 15