President Al-Zubaidi Meets with Special Envoy of President Putin to the Middle East and Africa
SMA NEWS – ABU DHABI
President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has met on Saturday in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Special Envoy of President Vladimir Putin to the Middle East and Africa, Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov.
The meeting discussed bilateral relations with the Russian Federation, ways to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and reviewed developments related to international efforts to bring about peace and stability to the country and the region.
In this context, President Al-Zubaidi has highlighted the significant challenges posed by repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Bab al Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, as it is imperative to underscore that these attacks not only threaten the security of the country and the region but also pose a direct threat to global maritime security and trade, reiterating a call for a more decisive international role in countering these threats.
President Al-Zubaidi has welcomed Russia’s decision to reopen its embassy in the capital, Aden, highlighting that this move reflects the deep historical ties with Russia and confirms Moscow’s desire to strengthen its diplomatic presence and play an active role in supporting stability and development in the country, affirming the STC’s readiness and commitment to facilitating this important step, which will undoubtedly enhance bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation and its friendly people.
For his part, Mr. Bogdanov expressed Russia’s commitment to supporting international and regional efforts to bring about peace to the country, highlighting the importance of intensifying cooperation with all relevant actors and stakeholders to bolster stability in the region.
