Iran backs Yemen in fighting terrorism, improving economy: Diplomat

An Iranian diplomat has said the Islamic Republic will support Yemen in its fight against terrorism and in effort to improve its flagging economy.

“We will stand by the Yemeni people in the battle against terrorism and help [the realization of] economic prosperity across Yemen,” Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Friday.

He added that a Yemeni economic delegation held “important” talks with representatives of Iran’s economic and private sectors during a visit to Tehran earlier in March.

The official noted that Iran would help Yemen develop its infrastructure while Tehran and Sana’a would also strengthen cooperation in different trade and economic fields.

“Tehran respects Yemen’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity and underscores the continuation of national broad-based negotiations and the fight against terrorism in the country,” the diplomat said.

Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that foreign interfering powers and terrorists have no position in the future of Yemen.

International organizations based in the Middle East region and the international community are expected to make serious efforts to improve security and welfare for the Yemenis, he said.

The official noted that Tehran stresses the importance of improving regional cooperation while consulting with regional countries about developments in Yemen and ways to help the country are atop of Iran’s agenda.

Iran has repeatedly warned against attempts to sow discord in Yemen, saying that Tehran will support unity and solidarity in the Arab country.