President Al-Zubaidi Warns of Growing Terror Alliance Among Houthi Militia, Somalia's al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda

President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), met Thursday at Ma'ashiq Palace in the capital Aden with HE Abdulhakim Mohamed Ahmed, Ambassador of the Republic of Somalia to Yemen.

During the meeting, they discussed the fraternal and historical relations with Somalia and means of strengthening and developing them across all levels to serve the shared interests of the two brotherly peoples.

President Al-Zubaidi underlined the deep-rooted bonds with the Republic of Somalia, stressing the need to expand the prospects of 
bilateral collaboration in various fields, particularly amid the common challenges facing the region.

In the same context, the two sides discussed ways to enhance joint security coordination to safeguard international shipping lanes, combat acts of maritime piracy, and stop smuggling activities in their various forms to positively contribute to maintaining security and stability in the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
 
President Al-Zubaidi warned of the grave threats resulting from the growing alliance among the Houthi terrorist militia, the Somali Al-Shabaab movement, and Al-Qaeda, stressing that these terrorist groups seek to destabilize regional security, which calls for strengthening coordination and cooperation to counter and thwart their destabilizing agendas.

The meeting also touched on the issue of illegal immigration and the human trafficking from the Horn of Africa through the coasts. President Al-Zubaidi expressed his deep sorrow over 
over the recent deadly capsizing that occurred off the coast of Abyan governorate, when a boat carrying dozens of African migrants sank, offering his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

President Al-Zubaidi highlighted the need to develop urgent and effective solutions to address the refugee crisis, alleviate their humanitarian suffering, prevent them from being exploited by smuggling networks, and ensure their safety and dignity.

For his part, the Somali ambassador expressed his country's appreciation for the steadfast fraternal positions, affirming the Somali government's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand areas of joint cooperation, particularly in the security aspect, to advance the mutual interests and bolster security and stability in the region.

At the end of the meeting, the ambassador expressed his thanks and gratitude to President Al-Zubaidi for his unwavering support for the Somali embassy in the capital, Aden, and his contributions to securing its staff and creating the appropriate conditions for them to perform their duties to the fullest.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohammed Al-Ghaithi, a member of the STC Presidium and Head of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission (CRC) supporting the PLC; Mr. Imad Mohammed, the office director of the Vice President of the PLC; and Mohammed Ali, Deputy Director of the STC Foreign Affairs Authority.