Al-Alimi directs Al-Zindani to develop a comprehensive reform plan for Yemeni diplomacy
The Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, issued a set of strict directives and key guidelines outlining the features of Yemeni diplomacy for the coming phase during his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Shaya'a Mohsen al-Zindani. This meeting comes at a highly sensitive time, requiring the activation of Yemeni diplomacy to confront current challenges. Al-Alimi stressed the necessity of adhering to existing regulations and laws and rectifying the administrative shortcomings that have plagued operations in recent periods.
The roadmap presented by Al-Alimi to Minister Al-Zindani focused on the state's foreign policy priorities, foremost among them mobilizing regional and international support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the legitimate government in their efforts to restore state institutions and end the Houthi coup. Al-Alimi stressed that the current phase allows no room for failure or complacency, warning against any practices that hinder institutional performance and emphasizing the importance of adopting merit-based and professional criteria for diplomatic appointments and promotions, moving away from the favoritism that previously burdened the ministry.
Context of change and importance of the stage
The appointment of Dr. Shaya al-Zindani as Foreign Minister, succeeding Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak (who became Prime Minister), is a strategic move aimed at injecting new blood into Yemeni diplomacy. Al-Zindani possesses decades of extensive diplomatic experience, on which the Presidential Leadership Council is relying to bring about a qualitative shift in foreign policy. These moves gain significance from the current historical and political context, as the Yemeni government wages a fierce political and economic battle alongside the military one. This makes embassies and diplomatic missions the first line of defense in international forums for exposing the militias' violations and clarifying the true picture of the Yemeni crisis.
Economic and political challenges
Economically, Al-Alimi's directives focused on the need to rationalize spending in foreign missions, in line with the severe financial crisis the country is experiencing due to the halt in oil exports caused by Houthi attacks. Restructuring the diplomatic corps and reducing unnecessary expenditures are integral parts of the comprehensive economic reform plan adopted by the state. Politically, this roadmap aims to unify the Yemeni political discourse abroad and ensure coordination of positions with the countries of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy and the international community, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Red Sea and their impact on peace efforts.
In concluding his directives, Al-Alimi stated that Minister Al-Zindani's success in his duties is a cornerstone for the success of the government as a whole. He pointed out that active and effective diplomacy is capable of securing development and humanitarian aid for the Yemeni people and exposing the subversive projects targeting the security and stability of the region. The Yemeni public awaits the results of these presidential directives, hoping they will positively impact the conditions of Yemeni expatriates and improve the consular services provided to them in various countries around the world.
