The Chairman of the Leadership Council welcomed the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa in Aden.

President Rashad Alimi Welcomes UK Minister in Historic Visit

On Tuesday, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, welcomed UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, H.E. Hisham Faulkner, at the Maashiq Palace. This visit marks the first time a British minister has traveled to Yemen in nearly seven years.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

During their meeting, President Alimi and Minister Faulkner discussed the bilateral relations between Yemen and the United Kingdom. They addressed local developments, international efforts to secure maritime corridors, and the threats posed by Iranian-backed Houthi militias. The conversation highlighted the ongoing violations and cross-border threats that continue to destabilize the region.

Acknowledging UK Support

President Alimi praised the UK’s support for Yemen’s humanitarian response plan and the training programs for the coast guard. He emphasized the UK’s role as a penholder in the United Nations Security Council, standing alongside the Yemeni people. Alimi expressed his aspirations to restore state institutions and achieve security, stability, and peace.

Economic Reforms and International Support

The President briefed the British minister on national developments and the economic reforms implemented by the government and the Central Bank. He stressed the need for international support to build on the progress made, particularly in resuming funding from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and other donor agencies.

Unity in Transitional Priorities

Alimi reaffirmed the unity of the Presidential Leadership Council regarding transitional priorities. He highlighted the urgent need to end the Houthi terrorist threat and restore state institutions. The President underscored the importance of a close partnership with the international community in safeguarding global peace and security.

Urging Increased British Involvement

The President called for an enhanced British role in controlling Iranian arms flows and developing a robust sanctions regime against Houthi violations. He reiterated the council’s and government’s commitment to a comprehensive peace approach based on national, regional, and international references, particularly UN Resolution 2216.

Misconceptions About Houthi Threats

Alimi cautioned against the belief that Houthi militias would cease threatening international interests once the conflict in Gaza concludes. He argued that the Houthi agenda forms part of a broader Iranian strategy aimed at global extortion.

UK Minister Affirms Support

In response, Minister Faulkner reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government. He expressed the UK’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of the Yemeni people and backing UN efforts to revive the political process and enhance the capabilities of the Yemeni coast guard.

Attendees of the Meeting

The meeting also included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Shaaib Al-Zandani, the Director of the Council President’s Office, Major General Saleh Al-Maqaleh, and the UK Ambassador to Yemen, Ms. Abda Sharif.

This meeting signifies a crucial step in reinforcing international support for Yemen as it navigates its path toward stability and peace.

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