The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates took the oath of office before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council.
Dr. Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zuba’s Sworn In as Minister of Foreign Affairs
On Wednesday, Dr. Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zuba took the oath of office before President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, officially becoming Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. This historic appointment marks her as the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history.
Presidential Meeting and Congratulations
Following the oath, President Alimi met with the new Foreign Minister. He congratulated her on earning the trust of the leadership and expressed his hopes for her success in fulfilling her national duties. The President emphasized that her appointment should signal a new era for Yemeni diplomacy, enhancing its presence and effectiveness in defending the nation’s interests and strengthening its regional and international standing.
A Shift Towards Proactive Diplomacy
President Alimi highlighted the need for a transition from traditional diplomacy to a more proactive and initiative-driven approach. He urged the new minister to lead international discussions on Yemen, build partnerships, and advocate for national interests rather than merely responding to events or managing protocol relations.
Priorities for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The President outlined key priorities for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the coming period. He stressed the importance of establishing a national narrative and preventing the Iran-backed Houthi militia from filling any potential void or distorting the truth. Alimi asserted that it is time for the state to speak with one voice, grounded in international law, documented facts, and United Nations resolutions.
Responsibilities of Diplomatic Missions
The President stated that the responsibilities of diplomatic missions have expanded beyond mere representation. They must now dismantle misleading narratives propagated by the Houthi militia, which he identified as the true source of suffering for the Yemeni people. He pointed out the militia’s role in destroying national resources, restricting the travel of millions, and exacerbating crises to serve Iranian agendas.
Embassies as Platforms for Advocacy
Alimi called for every Yemeni embassy to transform into a platform for defending the Republic of Yemen and its supreme interests. He urged ambassadors to become responsible voices for the state, capable of presenting facts, countering disinformation, and building international trust in Yemen’s institutions.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
In this context, President Alimi praised the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a cornerstone for collective efforts supporting Yemen and its people. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian support, along with its commitment to peace efforts and backing Yemen’s state institutions.
Addressing Regional Instability
Conversely, the President noted that the Iranian regime continues to exploit armed militias to destabilize the region, threaten neighboring countries, and undermine peace efforts. He condemned recent attacks by Iranian proxies, which reflect a destructive approach that jeopardizes international security and peace.
Acknowledging Previous Efforts
President Alimi also commended former Minister Dr. Sha’if Al-Zindani and the ministry’s leadership for initiating institutional reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These reforms aim to enhance efficiency, integrity in appointments, and readiness of diplomatic missions, ultimately allowing the ministry to fulfill its mission effectively and represent Yemen’s interests on regional and international stages.
Conclusion
Dr. Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zuba’s appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs marks a significant milestone in Yemen’s diplomatic history. With a focus on proactive diplomacy and a commitment to national interests, her leadership could pave the way for a more robust and effective foreign policy in the face of ongoing challenges.
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