Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, Meets with Dr. Saleh Mohsen Al-Hajj, President of the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Authority of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC)
By Staff Reporter
The Advocate Post
Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, recently met with Dr. Saleh Mohsen Al-Hajj, President of the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Authority of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of Yemen. The two engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue addressing the geopolitical significance of Yemen, the vision and role of the STC, and the country’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Dr. Al-Hajj, who serves in a capacity equivalent to the Foreign Minister for the STC a political body representing the southern regions of Yemen elaborated on the council’s aspirations for peace, sovereignty, and international engagement. Established in 2017, the STC has emerged as a prominent political force advocating for the self-determination of South Yemen and greater autonomy from the central government in Sana’a.
During the discussion, Editor-in-Chief Abdul Rafay Afzal explored the strategic and humanitarian importance of Yemen in regional stability, as well as the pivotal role the southern regions have played throughout history. Yemen, often referred to as the cradle of Arab civilization, boasts an ancient heritage that includes the Sabaean and Himyarite kingdoms, as well as a historically strategic location along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Dr. Al-Hajj emphasized that the Southern Transitional Council seeks international recognition and is committed to diplomatic engagement with global partners.
“We envision a peaceful and stable South Yemen, built on democratic governance, inclusive development, and constructive regional cooperation,”
he stated.
The meeting also touched on the plight of Yemeni expatriates around the world, the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, and the STC’s efforts to represent the voices of Southerners on the international stage. Dr. Al-Hajj reiterated the STC’s support for a political solution to the Yemeni crisis, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect.
Mr. Afzal praised the openness of the discussion and highlighted The Advocate Post’s commitment to bringing nuanced, in-depth international affairs coverage to its readership.
“It was an honor to speak with Dr. Al-Hajj and gain first-hand insight into the STC’s vision, the historical context with PLC shaping the future of Yemen”
he said.
This engagement marks a continued effort by The Advocate Post to spotlight key international issues and amplify diverse perspectives from regions often underrepresented in global media narratives.
