Climb the stairs to one of the many rooftops of old Sana’a, just before sunset, and you will find the city sprawling under your eyes, its characteristic brown and white buildings, the noise and activity of the central sour, the powerful mountains surrounding Sana’a towering in the distance. And just as you abandon yourself to the feeling of having gone back in time, the call to prayers raises from one minaret nearby, followed by another in the distance, and yet another one still closer, the messages overpowering are another and echoing from the mountains with the specially crisp sound carried by the rarefied air of Sana’a over 2000 meters elevation. As your eyes adjust to the overcoming darkness, you also spot, on some nearby rooftops that unmistakable sign of encroaching modernity: the satellite dish.

Sana’a is this, and so much more: the tradition of a long and glorious past, proudly displayed along with the acquisition of modern achievements, both reinforced and validated by a shared sense of a common culture, unified by a common faith.

Bab-al-Yemen, the gate to the old city, is also the gate to a mesmerizing county. Marib, Zabid, Socotra, Shibam. So many places, their names known still to far too few people, but holding the promise of astounding discoveries of a rich and powerful past, unrivaled ancient architectural achievements, unspoilt environment of unique diversity.  Unifying this all, are the peoples of Yemen, hospitable, friendly, always with a smile on their lips and a hearty laugh ready to engulf you in their shared love of life and their always warm human interactions.  Above all, you will find a people proud of its heritage, its rich culture and a keen awareness of the need to hold on to this strong Yemeni identity, even as the country becomes an over more engaged player in the cultural, social and economic interactions of our global village.

There is no doubt that the country is facing daunting development challenges. A growing population, shrinking water and oil resources, widespread poverty and unemployment require concerted, committed engagement of the national leadership, the international community and responsible individuals alike. Growth comes from many sources, and tourism is going to be an essential one, to allow the country to continue in its road to progress. It also provides the opportunity to build progress not on the obliteration, but on the protection and promotion of Yemen’s precious past. One of the greatest charms of this amazing country is its strong identity, to which its people hold on with determination. They know that tradition and culture, without development are not sustainable, but more importantly they know that development away from one’s roots and beliefs will lose their souls.

As you tour around Yemen, through this magazine and, hopefully, soon in person, take in the sights, engage the people and be aware of the long road already traveled. You will enjoy what you see, feel enriched by whom you meet and leave the country with a better understanding of its reality and greater sense of respect.

DIPLOMATS SPEAK OUT
Yemen and the Netherlands:  A Common Future

Yemen is an important country in the region.  Our two regions are neighbours who share a long and eventful past.  More importantly, we share a common future in a globalizing world.  We wish beautiful Yemen to emerge as a true Happy Arabia once more.  It is in our shared interest to see that happen and to jointly shape tomorrow's world.







DIPLOMATS SPEAK OUT
Yemen-Egyptian Relations: Continuous Momentum

The bases on which Yemen-Egyptian relations stand make necessary for them to be an example for inter-Arab relations. This was based on human interaction and exoduses of thousands Yemeni tribes that settled eventually in Egypt and formed an essential part of the Egyptian social tissue. And before all that there was the interaction between the Yemeni and Egyptian civilizations. In modern times, the blood of the two people mixed while defending Yemen’s revolution and its people's right to freedom and progress. This unique interlink has left and will leave its profound effects on all current and future Yemeni and Egyptian generations.

During the past year and a half, these relations witnessed great development in all fields. They were enhanced further by the historic visit of president Saleh to Cairo in February, 2004, the visit that laid the foundation for political dialogue and understanding between the leaderships of the two countries.

Trade exchange, too, has recently doubled and there are even further opportunities to continue this development in many fields including medicines, construction materials and food industries. Also there is a potential for establish enormous partnerships in fishing ground. There is mutual interest to start working in this field to achieve reciprocated interests and benefits.

Many legal frames that regulate relations between the two countries were formulate. And a number of agreements have been recently signed in the fields of health, medical tourism, contraction business, cooperation in education and technical education, endowments, justice and agriculture. There is still more to be done for this great cooperation.

A few months ago the Egyptian-Yemeni Brotherhood Society was re-founded to reflect a new launch of the two peoples' interaction.

However, all that has been achieved is not enough to reflect the profoundness of these relations. Therefore, we must continue work to develop and deepen them. We believe that this visit will add greatly to those efforts and that they will enhance the two countries' hope in enhancing closeness and interaction that may, and must, flow freely.

DIPLOMATS SPEAK OUT
Indo-Yemeni Relations Are Rooted In History

There were people to people contacts between the two great countries even before the Governments established formal relations.  Arabian horses were sold in the ports of South India and Indian Spices were popular in this region.  The legendary Arab traveller Ibn Batuta was reported to have seen Indian merchants in Aden on his way to the East.  These relations are continuing even today.  There are about 100,00 Yemenis of Indian Origin settled in Aden and an equal number of Indians of Yemeni Origin are living Hyderabad.  The Yemenis were known for their valour and courage from time immemorial.  The Nizams of Hyderabad in India reqruited Yemenis in their Army and security forces.  India cherishes this dimension of cultural variety presented by Yemen to India.  Presently, there are about 5,000 Yemeni students studying in various universities in India.  The exchange of visits by businessmen of both countries is increasing.

In the international fora, India and Yemen share common perceptions and co-operate with each other for the removal of poverty, international peace and stability.  India always supports along with Yemen the Palestine and other Arab causes.

The economic co-operation is strengthening and with recently concluded Joint Economic Committee meeting held in Sana’a, new areas of co-operation in the economic field will be explored for mutual benefits.  There are about 8,000 Indians working in Yemen contributing to the various sectors of Yemeni economy.  The friendly Yemeni people extend their moral support to their Indian colleagues at their work-sites and this gives further boost and moral support to Indians to maximise their productivity.

Many of the Indians consider Yemen as their second home and live in peace and happiness.  India is grateful to H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh for his moral support to the Indian community in Yemen.  I hope and pray these relations will reach new heights enriching both countries.  I wish Arabia Felix all success in its endeavor to bring people and civilizations together.