Aden — The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, concluded a landmark visit to the interim capital Aden on Tuesday, marking the first visit by a British minister to Yemen in nearly seven years.

During his visit, Minister Falconer met with President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, and other senior Yemeni officials. 

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing maritime security cooperation, and addressing the growing threats posed by the Houthi militia, including piracy and weapons smuggling.

President Al-Alimi welcomed the visit as a sign of renewed international engagement with Yemen’s legitimate government and a reaffirmation of the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability, and sovereignty in the country. 

He praised the UK’s role in humanitarian assistance and its efforts to counter destabilizing activities in the region.

Minister Falconer emphasized the UK’s solidarity with Yemen in confronting shared security challenges. 

He highlighted British-backed programs aimed at combating arms trafficking and piracy, and reiterated London’s support for a UN-led peace process to end the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemenis.

The visit also included meetings with civil society representatives and humanitarian actors, underscoring the UK’s continued investment in development, governance, and human rights in Yemen.

This high-level engagement signals a potential shift in international diplomatic momentum toward Yemen, as the country grapples with ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and regional security threats.