Introduction

1. The human being

2. The state

3. The economy

4. Defence and security

5. Foreign policy

CHAPTER FIVE: FOREIGN POLICY

Allah says:

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)". Al-Hujurat (49:13)

Allah also says:

"Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore serve Me (and no other)". Al-Anbiya (21:92)

Allah also says:

"It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those who you (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. Allah forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for (your) Faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just". Al-Mumtahinah (60:7-8)

International relations is given great importance in modern times, as it is no longer possible for any people to live in isolation from those around them, in a period where mutual dependence among countries has become important and a way for affecting international relations in all aspects of cultural, economic and political reality.

The Republic of Yemen is part of this world, reacts to its variables, whether regional or global, affecting it and affected by it. It works to develop links with the international community through effective participation which supports its abilities and presence both in the regional and global environment. By doing so, Yemen assures the whole world that it is peace loving state, believing in the rights of peoples of the world to peaceful co-existence, and extending the bridges of co-operation and dialogue among them in order to achieve more of development and advancement for the service of man.

Yemen is part of the Arab and Islamic nation which is still suffering - together with other countries that have recently been liberated from colonialism - a lot of backwardness, disintegration and dependence on top of the continuing aspiration of the dominant countries to encroach on its wealth. This makes it incumbent on the Arab Islamic countries to commit more effort in developing true forms of co-operation and co-ordination through consolidation of political, economic, cultural and social links towards a stable development and defence of common, lawful interest. Responding to the desires and hopes of its Arab Islamic peoples, and benefiting from the successful experiences being witnessed in various regions in the world.

The YIP, while looking forward to world in which co-operation between nations dominates as a basis for love and peace, calls for a tolerant world community embodying the meanings of human brotherhood, dominated by the spirit of solidarity, co-operation. A world community in which relations between states are based on justice and equality of interest and respect for differences of civilisation and culture, and honoring all contracts and international treaties.

From this approach, the YIP affirms the importance of establishing Yemen's foreign policy and its international relations according to the following principles:

1. Complementarity and harmony in Yemen's internal and foreign policies so that ...

2. the foreign policy adheres to the principles and objectives of the Yemeni people, foremost among which is the safeguarding of independence and sovereignty of Yemen, its unity, protection of its security, stability and territory. Employing the foreign policy for the service of Yemen's economic interests and support of the comprehensive development strategy.

3. That our foreign policy should concern itself with the issues our Arab Islamic nations as well as humanitarian issues according to Yemen's civilisational message.

4. Yemen should have strong and developing ties with all the countries of the world, based on the principle of peaceful coexistence among peoples and the rejection of use of violence in solving international conflict, mutual respect, refraining from interference in internal affairs and respecting national interest and freedom of choices of people.

5. Allowing equality of opportunity to all civilisations and nations to participate in building the world order, and for its culture to participate in formulating the standards of international conduct and crystallise the international principles and norms.

6. That the formulation of policy of the Republic of Yemen in the international arena, is according to the priorities of its civilisational belonging and geographical location.

END