U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Concludes Tenure in Meeting with Parliamentary Speaker

U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Concludes Tenure

On Tuesday, Sheikh Sultan al-Barakani, the Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, held a meeting with Stephen Fagin, the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, to mark the conclusion of Fagin’s diplomatic service in the country. This meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made during Fagin’s tenure and the challenges that lie ahead for Yemen.

Acknowledging Diplomatic Contributions

During the meeting, al-Barakani praised Ambassador Fagin for his significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relations between Yemen and the United States. He highlighted Fagin’s efforts in supporting Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy and commended the U.S. commitment to the aspirations of the Yemeni people for restoring state institutions and achieving lasting peace. Al-Barakani expressed his best wishes for Fagin’s future endeavors.

Addressing Current Challenges and Strategic Partnerships

The two officials discussed the latest political, economic, and humanitarian developments in Yemen. They addressed the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi militia’s insurgency, which has severely impacted state institutions, the national economy, and the living conditions of citizens. Al-Barakani underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between Yemen and the United States, describing this relationship as a crucial foundation for restoring state institutions, enhancing security and stability, and countering regional threats, particularly Iranian interventions that support the Houthi militia.

Furthermore, the Speaker strongly condemned the recent Iranian terrorist attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and several other regional countries, labeling these actions as blatant violations of national sovereignty and security. He characterized them as manifestations of Iran’s agenda to meddle in internal affairs and exacerbate conflicts.

Al-Barakani expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently stood by Yemen during its most challenging times, providing political, economic, humanitarian, and developmental assistance. This support has alleviated the suffering of the Yemeni people and reinforced their hopes for restoring their state and achieving peace.

In response, Ambassador Fagin expressed pride in his tenure in Yemen and reaffirmed the United States’ ongoing support for Yemen and its people. He emphasized the importance of continued engagement from international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, in supporting the legitimate government and enhancing economic reforms. Fagin noted that the Houthi militia continues to undermine peace efforts and threaten international navigation, necessitating sustained international efforts to eliminate its funding sources and restore state institutions.

The meeting also included members of the Parliament, Mohammed Maqbel al-Hamiri and Insaf Mayo, who contributed to the discussions on Yemen’s pressing issues. This engagement underscores the ongoing commitment of both the Yemeni government and the United States to work collaboratively toward a peaceful and stable Yemen.