High-level Yemeni-Russian meeting discusses living conditions and the re-operation of the Al-Haswa thermal power plant in Aden.

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News Analysis High-Level Yemeni-Russian Meeting Discusses Living Conditions and Restarting the Al-Hiswa Thermal Power Plant in Aden In a remarkable diplomatic move with humanitarian and strategic dimensions, Counselor Faiqa Al-Sayed, Assistant Secretary-General of the General People's Congress and Advisor to the President of the Republic for Women's Affairs, held an extensive meeting with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Envoy of President Vladimir Putin to the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, in the Russian capital, Moscow. The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, reflected the warmth and historical depth of Yemeni-Russian relations, spanning over a century. The two sides discussed a range of vital issues, foremost among them the difficult living conditions of Yemenis amid the war and political division, and the repercussions of regional crises, especially the war in Gaza, on the stability of Yemen and the region as a whole. The Humanitarian Aspect at the Heart of the Talks The Russian official expressed a deep understanding of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, stressing that his country is following with concern the deterioration of living conditions and attaches special importance to ways to improve the conditions of citizens, including strengthening vital infrastructure. For her part, Faiqa Al-Sayed stressed the need for Moscow to intervene to contribute to the re-operation of the Al-Hiswa thermal power plant in Aden, noting that the plant, which was established by Russia earlier, represents a lifeline for the city's residents in the face of rising heat waves and the direct health risks they cause. Bogdanov responded positively to this request, pointing out that the issue will be among the priorities of the upcoming meetings with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, during his expected visit to Moscow at the end of this month, and will also be discussed with the Yemeni Minister of Oil within a joint technical agenda. Opening the Russian Embassy in Aden: A Step to Strengthen Diplomatic Presence In a remarkable development, the Russian side announced Moscow's intention to reopen its embassy in the interim capital, Aden, by the end of this year, in a move that would enhance the Russian diplomatic presence in Yemen and support stabilization efforts in vital areas, especially in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. Faiqa Al-Sayed welcomed this step, considering it to be in the interest of normalizing the situation and strengthening regional and international confidence in the future of Yemen. The Palestinian Issue and Russia's Firm Positions The Russian side also reviewed its vision of regional developments, reiterating its condemnation of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and reaffirming its firm positions in supporting the Palestinian cause and the right to self-determination, including addressing the problems related to the diaspora and demographic changes, within the framework of international law and international legitimacy resolutions. Supporting Education and Historical Relations The cultural and humanitarian aspect was not absent from the meeting, as the situation of Yemeni students in Russia was discussed, in the presence of the Deputy Head of the Association of Yemeni Students in Moscow. The Yemeni side praised the Russian positions supporting education and cultural exchange. The depth of bilateral relations dating back to the Soviet era was also emphasized, which constitutes a solid foundation upon which to build future multi-faceted partnerships. Conclusion: A Move Reflecting Multi-Track Diplomacy This meeting reflects the desire of both parties to reactivate channels of cooperation on balanced strategic foundations, taking into account the humanitarian dimension and opening up prospects for economic and service cooperation, in a way that contributes to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people and enhances Russia's presence as an influential actor in the regional stability equation.