Yemeni gov't welcomes Qatar's support for unity, stability

The Yemeni government welcomes Qatar's support for the unity and stability of Yemen, Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak said on Tuesday.

The Yemeni diplomat made the remarks during his meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in the Qatari capital of Doha, Yemen's state-run Saba news agency reported.

The two officials discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including "reactivating the convening of joint ministerial committees" between the two countries, which was last held in 2013, as well as restarting joint political consultation mechanisms.

They also discussed means to provide more facilities for the Yemeni expats in Qatar.

During the meeting, Bin Mubarak praised Qatar's firm support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the unity and stability of Yemen, said the report.

For his part, Al-Thani stressed the importance of "strengthening bilateral relations and raising the level of cooperation and coordination in various fields with the Yemeni government," it added.

The Yemeni minister arrived in Doha on Sunday at an official invitation from Qatar.

The visit came amid international efforts to renew a truce between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to pave the way for a political settlement and permanent peace.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The yearslong war has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of collapse.