Yemen’s “Stronger” Ties
On September 30, 2008 it was announced that Yemen’s ambassador to Moscow Muhammad Saleh al-Hilali had met with the Head of the International Department at the Russian Consulate. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss new plans for “bilateral cooperation” between Yemen and Russia. The meeting aimed at bettering ties comes right before Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh visits Russia in mid-October. The current meeting’s aim was to discuss ways to boost international cooperation between the two countries in areas such as politics, the economy, culture and parliamentary/legislative processes.
This recent develop raises interesting questions that will most likely be analyzed and answered as time progresses and current events unravel. Preliminary questions include: Is the fact that Yemen and Russia are strengthening their alliance significant? How will their new “stronger” relationship affect other Middle Eastern countries? How will Western countries such as the US respond do this new relationship and initiative? What are some of the benefits for Russia and Yemen resulting from this alliance?
Jenna Hootstein
