Yemen reopened its embassy in Damascus on Sunday after it was taken over by the Iran-backed Houthi militias since 2016 with the support of the now ousted Syrian regime.
Yemen’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa al-Noman told Asharq Al-Awsat that the reopening of the mission marks a new chapter in relations with Syria “after years of severed ties caused by the regime.”
Ambassadors will soon be announced to help restore normal relations, he added.
Asked if there are discussions with Iran on Yemen restoring its embassy in Tehran, Noman confirmed that talks have been held to that end.
He said that the entire world, expect for Iran, recognizes the legitimate government in Yemen as the official representative of the Yemeni people.
“We are hoping for a positive gesture from Iran to put the past behind us,” he added.
Moreover, he stressed that it was “important during such a critical stage for all Arabs to agree on how to resolve crises and discuss common issues frankly and without delays that have taken up our time, efforts and resources.”
Noman underlined the “pioneering” role Saudi Arabia can play in the world and region in the coming phase under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, given its political influence.
The reopening of the embassy took place at the directives of Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Shaya al-Zindani and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, reflecting the historic ties that bind their countries and peoples, said a Yemeni Foreign Ministry statement.
Mohammed Azzi Baakar was named charge d’affaires.
The reopening marks a historic moment in relations and underscores the role of the legitimate Yemeni government against “dark projects” - a reference to the Houthi militias’ agenda, said the ministry.
It hoped the move would kickstart a new chapter in cooperation with Syria in various fields.
