Barran Press
Moscow, August 28, 2024 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Wednesday that he and his Yemeni counterpart, Dr. Shayeq Al-Zindani, have agreed to resume activities of the joint governmental committee and maintain military communication between the two countries.
Following "substantial and beneficial" talks in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov highlighted the importance of traditional friendly relations between Russia and Yemen, emphasizing their foundation on equality, mutual respect, and balanced approaches to national interests.
The agreement to revive the joint committee focused on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation, will see the co-chairs meet in Moscow in the second half of September. A full session of the committee is expected before the end of the year.
Lavrov also emphasized the importance of maintaining military communication between the two countries, highlighting the historical ties forged through training programs in the Soviet Union and Russia. He noted that many Yemeni military officers and security personnel received training in the past and that tens of thousands of Yemeni specialists in various civilian fields have contributed to Yemen's economic and industrial development.
In a further sign of strengthening ties, Russia has decided to increase the number of scholarships offered to Yemeni students. The current 140 scholarships will be boosted by an additional 30 starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, with plans to further increase the number in the coming years.
Lavrov also addressed the ongoing conflict in Yemen, reiterating Russia's commitment to supporting all efforts towards national reconciliation. He expressed hope for the success of mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman, which were unfortunately interrupted following the events of October 7, 2023, in the wake of the Gaza War.
He criticized the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law, and expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the region, including attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Houthis.
While supporting efforts to ensure maritime security, Lavrov criticized the US and UK for distorting UN Security Council resolutions. He emphasized the need for dialogue and welcomed the resumption of mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg.
Lavrov also praised Yemen's understanding of the situation in Ukraine and its balanced stance on the issue. He reiterated Russia's commitment to restoring justice and ensuring the rights of all people in the region, regardless of race, gender, language, or religion.
Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Lavrov called for an immediate end to violence and a redoubling of efforts to address humanitarian needs. He emphasized the need to address the underlying issues in the region, particularly the unresolved issue of establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
The meeting between Lavrov and Al-Zindani signifies a positive development in relations between Russia and Yemen, with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation in various fields.