Monday's airstrikes jointly launched by the United States and Israel on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah have destroyed a local port shut down a cement factory.
The airstrikes occurred one day after a Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.
On Tuesday, the Houthis briefly allowed a China Media Group (CMG) correspondent to enter the port of Hodeidah.
The attacked area of the port was in ruin, with the docks, lifting equipment and some operating facilities left completely destroyed, and port operations had been completely halted, according to the correspondent.
The port is primarily for civilian and service use and undertakes the importation of a large amount of food and other daily necessities. The suspension of port operations is expected to exacerbate the challenges of everyday life facing Yemenis, according to Houthi officials.
In addition, the Bajel cement plant was forced to halt production due to the Israeli airstrike. The factory, located east of the port of Hodeidah, is considered an important economic lifeline for the Houthis.
The airstrike on the plant killed four people and injured dozens. The dead and injured were all workers at the cement factory or nearby residents, according to the Houthi group.
The Houthi-run health ministry reported that in total, 7 people were and 94 were injured in all Israeli airstrikes on Yemen in the past 24 hours.
Yemeni port destroyed, factory halted after US-Israel airstrikes
Yemeni port destroyed, factory halted after US-Israel airstrikes
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
