Meeting of H.E. Mr. Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Yemen with EAM

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Yemen, Mr. Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi met External Affairs Minister, Smt Sushma Swaraj today during his maiden official visit to India from 10-13 July. EAM also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary.

During their discussions, held in cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two Ministers covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visiting Minister appreciated India’s steadfast support for Yemen during difficult times, including India’s humanitarian assistance. He highlighted that India continued to welcome Yemeni nationals, especially for higher studies and medical treatment. He requested increase in slots for Yemeni students as also facilitation of medical visas for the Yemeni patients as India has been their most preferred destination. EAM assured all possible assistance, including through supply of much-needed medicines at Yemen’s request. She conveyed that as a special gesture, ICCR’s scholarship slots for Yemen would be increased from the existing 35 to 55 annually. She also offered 50 ITEC slots for Yemen for 2017-18.

EAM thanked the Government of Yemen for their whole-hearted cooperation and support in evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen under the well-acknowledged “Operation Raahat” conducted by Government of India in March-April 2015.

EAM stressed the Government’s concern for the safety and well-being of Father Tom Uzhunnalil who was abducted in March 2016 from Aden and reiterated the request for continued assistance from the Yemeni authorities in securing his safe and early release. The Yemeni Deputy PM conveyed that as per available information, Father Tom was alive and the Yemen Government has been making all efforts to secure his release. He assured all cooperation in this regard.