Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt visits Yemen

During his fourth visit to Yemen, Foreign Officer Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt met President Hadi, Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi, members of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) and the UN Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar. Mr Burt discussed the progress of the NDC and plans for the next phase of the transition as it moves towards a constitutional referendum and presidential elections. He also met with southern Yemeni leaders.  Speaking at the end of his visit, Alistair Burt said: “The UK remains firmly committed to supporting Yemen through its political transition. A successful National Dialogue is critical to this process. It was good to meet participants in the National Dialogue today from across the political spectrum. Frank exchanges of views are important, but it’s vital all sides move past historical grievances and work together to lay the foundations for a new Yemen that provides peace and prosperity for all its citizens. Alongside the National Dialogue, it is vital that tangible progress is made on political and economic reform. I look forward to hearing an update on this at the next Friends of Yemen meeting in New York later this month. “During my visit, I also discussed with President Hadi and Dr Al-Qirbi the significant security challenges still facing Yemen. The UK will continue to work closely with the Yemeni Government to counter the threat from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which threatens not only Yemen’s security but that of the wider region.”