Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi held talks in Moscow on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin said cooperation with Yemen dates back to Soviet times and diplomatic ties between the two sides were established in 1928. Yemen and Russia have been cooperating actively for some one hundred years.
He said the Russian embassy will resume operations in Yemen, reported Russia Today.
“The trade and economic relationship between Russia and Yemen is developing with success and holds several promising sectors,” he remarked.
Al-Alimi was in Moscow at Putin’s invitation and he sought to garner Russian support for the legitimate Yemeni government against the Iran-backed Houthi militias.
Al-Alimi and Putin discussed ways to boost cooperation between their countries and coordinate positions on various issues of mutual interest.
Putin underscored Russia’s “commitment to supporting Yemen and its people, and their aspirations for security, stability, and peace,” said a statement from Al-Alimi’s office.
“He emphasized the deep historical relations between the two countries, which are based on longstanding traditions of friendship and mutual respect,” it added.
Putin expressed his confidence in the development of these relations in a way that serves the interests of both nations and contributes to the security and stability of the region.
For his part, Al-Alimi briefed Putin on the situation in Yemen and the hopes pinned on the outcomes of his visit to Moscow, which coincides with the 97th anniversary of the establishment of close relations between their nations.
He highlighted the “longstanding and solid Yemen-Russia friendship, rooted in goodwill, balanced interests, and Russia’s significant support in strengthening the presence of the Yemeni state across various stages.”
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Russia’s consistent stance in support of the Yemeni people and their constitutional legitimacy. He recalled the enduring legacy of cooperation between the two countries and peoples in areas such as economic, political, military, educational, health, and cultural cooperation.
“We in the leadership of the Republic of Yemen highly value Russia’s supportive stance for constitutional legitimacy, as well as Moscow’s commitment to achieving peace and stability and ending the suffering of the Yemeni people,” Al-Alimi stressed. “We also appreciate Moscow’s consistent condemnation of terrorist threats that destabilize maritime security and international peace and security.”
Moreover, Al-Alimi addressed the deteriorating economic, service, and humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by the terrorist Houthi militia attacks on oil facilities. He acknowledged “the significant financial support provided by the Coalition to Support Legitimacy led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.”
He underlined the importance of “maintaining the cohesive stance of the international community regarding the Yemeni issue, and efforts to combat terrorism, piracy, and organized crime.”
He also praised Russia’s position in support of Arab causes, foremost among them the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state according to international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
