NORTHERN Ireland’s Yemeni community has celebrated their first annual general meeting.
Taking place at City Church in Belfast on Monday, the United Yemeni Community in Northern Ireland called it “an important milestone” in bringing members, organisations and partners together across the country.
Community member Abdullah Jubair explained the day involved electing the first six people to lead the local community and spoke of Northern Ireland as “the best place” for families.
“Actually, it’s an amazing place to be in,” he said.
“The Yemeni community, they are trying to keep their own traditions first of all, that’s important, and we want to keep our traditions in this country.
The First Annual General Meeting for the establishment of the United Yemeni Community at City Church in Belfast on Monday.
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“And we need to show it and what we can do. There is many things the Yemeni community can provide to help and volunteer with different sections, with different communities.
“We want to thank Northern Ireland and their people and everyone from this country for welcoming us and being friendly with us.”
Brothers Nahi and Baker Gabir attend The First Annual General Meeting for the establishment of the United Yemeni Community at City Church in Belfast on Monday.
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Dean Russell from the Acacia Path, a religious group working to welcome newcomers to Northern Ireland, commented: “I think it’s very important for people from other countries, and Yemen in particular, at this event that they integrate in Northern Ireland.
“From the people that I meet from Yemen and other countries, they’re so glad to be here.
“They’re happy to join in with all the community activities, but they also want to hold on to their own culture and they’re very proud of where they come from.”
He added: “They’re so happy in how they’ve been welcomed in Belfast and other places, it’s so encouraging for me as a local person to see that.”
The First Annual General Meeting for the establishment of the United Yemeni Community at City Church in Belfast on Monday.
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Speaker Omar Moohialdin during The First Annual General Meeting for the establishment of the United Yemeni Community at City Church in Belfast on Monday.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN 
The First Annual General Meeting for the establishment of the United Yemeni Community at City Church in Belfast on Monday.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN