[29/09/2026 02:58]

RIYADH-SABA

Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah al-Zouba discussed Tuesday with Chinese Chargé d’Affaires to Yemen Zhao Cheng ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Yemen and China across various fields.

The meeting also addressed Chinese cooperation in supporting the electricity sector in the interim capital Aden, as well as the possibility of expanding it to include energy, infrastructure, training, and capacity-building projects.

Al-Zouba briefed the Chinese diplomat on the latest developments in Yemen amid the recent escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia and its threats to Yemen’s security and stability, international maritime navigation, and commercial traffic in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, with broader implications for regional and international security.

She stressed the need for greater international support for the Yemeni government and state institutions to enable them to extend their authority throughout the country and protect its coastline and ports. She emphasized that restoring the state and ending the Houthi threat are shared interests of Yemen, the region, and the international community.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Yemen’s historic relations of friendship and cooperation with China, noting that the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year provides an opportunity to broaden bilateral cooperation and advance it into new areas that serve the interests of both countries and their peoples.

For his part, Zhao affirmed China’s support for President Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, the Yemeni government, and Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

He also reaffirmed China’s support for relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen, including Resolution 2216, and stressed China’s commitment to maritime security and freedom of trade in the Red Sea.

---