Yemeni, Turkish foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties and regional developments

Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in the interests of both countries and peoples, as well as the latest developments in Yemen and the region.

According to an official statement, Al-Zouba conveyed greetings from President Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She also delivered a written message from President Al-Alimi to President Erdogan, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and coordinating positions on recent developments in Yemen and the region.

The two ministers discussed activating existing agreements and joint committees, and expanding cooperation in education, health, energy, and investment. They also addressed support for the Yemeni community in Turkey and facilitating their affairs.

The meeting also covered the escalation by Iran-backed Houthi militias, including attacks on civilians, state institutions, and vital infrastructure in Yemen and Saudi Arabia—such as airports and oil facilities—as well as threats to international shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab, and the resulting impact on regional security and stability.

Al-Zouba stressed that restoring state institutions and extending government authority across all Yemeni territory is essential for the security of Yemen and the region, and for safeguarding international navigation. She emphasized the importance of supporting government efforts to secure coasts and ports, address sources of threat, and prevent arms from reaching militias, in line with agreed references and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to preserve Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The Yemeni minister expressed appreciation for Turkey’s support for the Yemeni government, and welcomed the joint statement issued after the meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan in Istanbul, which condemned Houthi escalation and attacks on civilians and international shipping, and expressed solidarity with Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

For his part, the Turkish foreign minister reaffirmed Turkey’s steadfast support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and its commitment to strengthening relations with Yemen, expanding bilateral cooperation, and intensifying consultations on issues of mutual concern. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab.