Japan-Yemen Relations
Courtesy Call on H.E. Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen by Foreign Minister MOTEGI
August 18, 2026
On August 18, commencing at 3:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. Japan time) for 60 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen and the de facto head of the Yemeni Government, who was temporarily staying in Riyadh.
- At the outset, Chairman Al-Alimi welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support, and stated his desire to further deepen the relations with Japan as a trusted partner.
- Minister MOTEGI expressed his appreciation for the message of sympathy conveyed by Yemen on the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. Minister MOTEGI also stated that Japan would continue to support the Government of Yemen, noting that stability in Yemen, adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is directly linked to stability and development not only in the Middle East but also of the entire international community.
- Regarding the situation surrounding Yemen, Minister MOTEGI strongly denounced the recent series of attacks by the Houthis and reiterated the importance of achieving peace in Yemen. Minister MOTEGI also explained that Japan has requested Iran to urge the Houthis to exercise restraint. In response, Chairman Al-Alimi highly appreciated Japan’s approach and provided an explanation of developments concerning the Houthis and the efforts undertaken by the Government of Yemen toward achieving peace.
- Regarding the situation in Iran, Minister MOTEGI expressed concern over the continued escalation of tensions and the lack of progress in the talks between the U.S. and Iran, and explained that Japan is making every possible diplomatic effort toward resumption of talks and achievement of a final agreement. Both sides also discussed the linkage between the situations in Iran and in Yemen.
- With regard to the bilateral relations, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that Japan has contributed to stability of Yemen through its assistance to the country, including the food assistance decided upon in July, as well as through financial support and personnel contributions to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY). Minister MOTEGI also noted that, as a core member of the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership (YMSP), Japan is supporting human resource development of the Yemeni Coast Guard, which also contributes to the realization of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” proposed by Japan. Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan would continue to contribute to strengthening Yemen’s maritime law enforcement capabilities.
Minister MOTEGI further noted the increase in Japanese Government Scholarship students from Yemen and expressed his hope that they will contribute to Yemen’s nation-building and serve as bridges between the two countries. - Chairman Al-Alimi reiterated his appreciation for Japan’s assistance across various fields to date. Chairman Al-Amlimi noted that Yemen is also a maritime nation and holds Japan’s FOIP in high regard, adding that Yemen would strengthen its cooperation with Japan from this perspective as well.
- Both sides concurred to continue working closely together toward the further development of the bilateral relations as well as peace and stability in the region.