President Al-Alimi Begins Official Visit to Russian Federation

  Aden

His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, began an official visit to the Russian Federation today, Tuesday, in response to a kind invitation from His Excellency President Vladimir Putin.

An official source at the Office of the Presidency of the Republic told the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that the President of the Presidential Leadership Council will hold discussions with His Excellency President Vladimir Putin. The talks will address ways to enhance bilateral relations and coordinate positions on several issues of mutual interest, foremost among them developments in the Yemeni situation, peacemaking efforts, and regional and international security.

The source praised the longstanding relations between the Republic of Yemen and the Russian Federation, as well as Moscow’s steadfast stance in support of the Yemeni people and their legitimate leadership in various international forums.

The presidential source indicated that the visit’s agenda will include meetings with several senior Russian government officials, as well as political, diplomatic, and intellectual figures engaged with Yemeni affairs and its cultural and civilizational heritage.

The presidential visit comes amid active diplomatic engagements and efforts led by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, its members, and the government to strengthen international consensus on Yemen's situation. These efforts aim to mobilize the necessary support to end the suffering of the Yemeni people and fulfill their aspirations for restoring state institutions, security, stability, peace, and development.

The visit is seen as a significant milestone in Yemeni-Russian relations, which date back to the first third of the 20th century, with Yemen being the first Arab country to establish political ties with the former Soviet Union.

Historical records indicate that the first official contact between the two sides took place in 1927, culminating in the signing of a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty in 1928—a treaty that both countries will celebrate the centennial of in three years.

However, a major turning point in the relationship occurred in 1955 with the establishment of diplomatic ties, followed in 1956 by Yemen appointing its first non-resident envoy to Moscow, while the Soviet Union opened its mission in Taiz that same year.

This pivotal step marked the beginning of steadily growing relations, evolving into a comprehensive partnership across all levels—commercial, economic, diplomatic, and military.

With the outbreak of the 26 September 1962 Revolution and the proclamation of the Republican System, the Soviet Union moved swiftly to recognize Yemen's new government on 1 October—merely six days after the historic September Revolution. Moscow promptly declared its support for the revolution and announced the opening of its embassy in Sana'a that same year.

When the October 14 Revolution erupted in the occupied south of Yemen in 1963, it was supported by the Soviet Union. Just four days after the withdrawal on November 30, 1967, the Soviet Union announced its recognition of the independence of South Yemen.

Relations between both parts of Yemen and the Soviet Union achieved a qualitative leap, grounded in a legal framework represented by the two Treaties of Friendship and Cooperation along with other bilateral agreements. This development preceded the Soviet Union's active support for the voluntary unification of Yemen on 22 May 1990.

On 30 December 1991, the Republic of Yemen officially recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor to the former Soviet Union. This recognition encompassed Yemen's acknowledgment of all valid international treaties and agreements previously established between the two nations.

Since then, the Russian Federation has remained a key supporter of the Yemeni people’s choices and has maintained close relations with Yemen on all levels.

Following the Houthi coup in September 2014, Russia has continued to support Yemen’s legitimate government and has voted in favor of related international resolutions—demonstrating a rare international consensus in support of Yemen’s legitimacy and in rejection of the coup.