Aden (South24) 

An official session of Yemeni-Russian talks was held in Moscow today, between Yemen’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ahmed bin Mubarak, and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Alexey Overchuk.

The discussions focused on bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation in various aspects of investment, and combating terrorism and cross-border organized crime, as reported by Yemen’s state-run Saba News Agency.

The talks also discussed mechanisms for implementing the provisions of the Declaration of Principles of Friendship Relations and Bilateral Cooperation signed between the two countries in 2003, and activating the work of the joint ministerial committee.

Bin Mubarak briefed his Russian counterparts on Yemen’s encouraging investment opportunities and the Yemeni government’s readiness to provide all necessary facilities for Russian funding.

Overchuk stressed Moscow's readiness to cooperate in the fields of energy, oil, fisheries, and agriculture, leading to the activation of the joint ministerial committee, according to Saba.

In a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Bin Mubarak criticized the Houthis, warning that their naval attacks pose a threat to the Yemeni people.

Bin Mubarak, who serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Prime Minister, added: “We believe that the Houthis are the reason for the militarization of the Red Sea because of their actions.”

He pointed out that the Houthi attacks have targeted ships carrying aid and food towards the country's primary port of Aden.

Lavrov reiterated Moscow's position condemning the targeting of civilian commercial ships, but criticized the US-UK strikes against the Houthis.

"The US and UK military operation in Yemen caused an increase in the conflict. The safety of navigation in the Red Sea must be guaranteed through political and diplomatic means," he said.

Lavrov stressed that "it is not possible to talk about implementing the roadmap in Yemen before the Red Sea events stop."

Bin Mubarak arrived in Moscow yesterday, at the invitation of the official government, according to what was published by the Saba News Agency.