National Day Message by Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali Shammer, Chargé d'Affaires en pied of the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in the Republic of Bulgaria

On May 22nd of every year, the Yemeni people commemorate the anniversary of the re-establishment of Yemeni unity in 1990—an everlasting national event that crowned a long journey of struggle and fulfilled a dream long held by successive generations in the North and South: a united, free homeland founded on the principles of justice, equality, and partnership.

In his national address on the occasion of the 34th anniversary last year, His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized that Yemeni unity represented a comprehensive civilizational project rooted in noble principles - chief among them, the promotion of national cohesion, partnership in power and resources, justice, and the rule of law.

President Al-Alimi reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Yemeni people to the values of unity, and their refusal to allow this national achievement to be stripped of its political, national, and moral significance. He condemned attempts to reduce it to an empty slogan used to mask autocratic ambitions, a behavior now embodied by the terrorist Houthi militias.

The Houthi Threat: A National and International threat

President Al-Alimi underscored the Presidential Leadership Council’s firm stance in resisting the Houthi coup, restoring legitimate state institutions, and ending the insurgency. He reaffirmed Yemen’s adherence to a political solution based on the core international references: United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and the Gulf Initiative.

He called on the international community to reassess its strategies and take decisive action against the cross-border threat posed by the Houthi militias, who continue to commit severe violations across political, economic, and social sectors - including child rights and education. Since their coup in 2014, their influence has expanded beyond Yemen, threatening regional and global security through attacks on Red Sea maritime routes and international shipping.

The Houthis have demonstrated that they do not represent a national agenda, but rather serve as a sectarian tool advancing a destructive regional project led by a hostile regime. Their use of religious and nationalist rhetoric is a façade for a violent and expansionist agenda. The group poses a multi-dimensional threat that affects internal Yemeni stability, international navigation, and global trade routes - especially in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where approximately 40% of Asia-Europe shipments pass.

A Call for International Action

At the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, President Al-Alimi urged the international community to redefine the Houthis as a permanent global threat. He called for stronger, more coordinated strategies, and emphasized that the group should be designated as a terrorist organization, as their threat will persist even in periods of reduced military activity.

President Al-Alimi stressed that defeating the Houthi threat requires depriving them of funding, territory, and weapons, and inflicting a strategic defeat that limits their regional influence. He warned that offering incentives only encourages further escalation, stating that "maximum pressure is the only language the Houthis understand."

Bulgaria: A Longstanding Partner of Yemen

The Republic of Bulgaria, a valued partner of Yemen for over 70 years, has played a pivotal role in the development of Yemen’s education, healthcare, agriculture, and engineering sectors. Thousands of Yemeni professionals were trained in Bulgaria, contributing significantly to the country’s progress and stability.

Despite this strong historical friendship, Bulgaria has not been spared from Houthi aggression. The Houthis hijacked the Galaxy Leader vessel and detained its 25 crew members, including Captain Lyubomir Chanev and First Officer Daniel Veselinov, for 14 months. In another incident, the Rubymar vessel, en route to the Port of Varna, was struck by Houthi ballistic missiles on February 18, 2024, and sank as a result.

Additionally, the Houthi militias were implicated in the hijacking of the Bulgarian ship MV Ruen by Somali pirates, during which several Bulgarian sailors were taken hostage and one was injured.

These acts constitute flagrant violations of international maritime law and human rights and demand urgent global action. Yemen calls for:

• The prosecution of Houthi leaders before international courts;
• The imposition of robust sanctions on the group’s leadership and their backers;
• Comprehensive support for Yemen’s legitimate government to restore state authority and establish lasting peace.

Gratitude to Bulgaria and the Yemeni Community

On this significant occasion, the Government of Yemen expresses deep appreciation to the Government of Bulgaria for its steadfast support of the Presidential Leadership Council and its backing of regional and international efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in Yemen in accordance with international resolutions, particularly UNSC Resolution 2216.

We also extend warm congratulations to all members of the Yemeni community in Bulgaria, and sincere thanks to all friends and supporters who have conveyed their congratulations on this proud national day

The material was provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in the Republic of Bulgaria. On the photo: Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali Shammer, Chargé d'Affaires en pied of the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in the Republic of Bulgaria