The South Yemeni American community in Buffalo, NY; Dearborn, MI; Chicago, IL; and Modesto, CA, recently welcomed Aidarous al-Zubaidi, president of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), during his visit to the United States. This visit followed his participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he engaged with international leaders on issues concerning Yemen and the broader region.
The visit provided an opportunity for South Yemeni Americans to connect with President al-Zubaidi and discuss his participation at the United Nations. His address at UNGA 79 brought attention to important humanitarian and developmental challenges facing Yemen and emphasized the need for increased international cooperation to address these issues.
In Buffalo, President al-Zubaidi met with community members who expressed their appreciation for his international outreach. The discussions focused on how the diaspora can continue to support positive initiatives aimed at improving the situation in South Yemen, including through cultural exchange, humanitarian assistance, and strengthening ties between the South Yemeni American community and global partners.
In Dearborn, MI, President al-Zubaidi met with a large and engaged Yemeni American community. The meeting provided an opportunity for members of the diaspora to discuss how they can contribute to ongoing efforts to address challenges back home, including through educational and cultural initiatives. President al-Zubaidi emphasized the importance of maintaining strong community ties and supporting programs that foster cultural understanding and humanitarian support.
Chicago, IL, was another highlight of the visit, where President al-Zubaidi toured the Aden Educational and Cultural Center. Here, he recognized the center’s efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of South Yemeni Americans, particularly among the younger generations. The community in Chicago has long been active in promoting Yemeni culture and fostering connections with people across the U.S., and the discussions centered on ways to further strengthen these efforts.
The final stop of President al-Zubaidi’s U.S. tour was Modesto, CA, where he met with community leaders to discuss how the South Yemeni American diaspora can contribute to humanitarian and developmental projects in South Yemen. The conversation focused on the importance of continued support for education, health, and cultural preservation, both in South Yemen and in Yemeni communities abroad.
Throughout his U.S. tour, President al-Zubaidi expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support of the South Yemeni American community. He highlighted the critical role the diaspora plays in raising awareness about the situation in Yemen and in supporting efforts that contribute to the well-being of all Yemenis.
“Our engagement at UNGA 79 was an important moment to address the challenges facing Yemen,” President al-Zubaidi noted during his visit. “The support of the diaspora is essential in fostering international cooperation and promoting initiatives that improve lives.”
The visit emphasized the shared commitment between the South Yemeni American community and President al-Zubaidi to promoting cultural, educational, and humanitarian initiatives. The meetings reinforced the idea that through collaboration and ongoing support, both the diaspora and international partners can contribute to the development of a more stable and prosperous future for Yemen.
