South Yemen, today integrated in Yemen, recognized Bangladesh on June 15, 1971.[2] South Yemen was the first Arab state to recognize Bangladesh (other Arab states had supported Pakistan in the 1971 war), and the support for Bangladeshi independence marked an emerging split between South Yemen and China.[3] South Yemen also supported the membership of the emerging Bangladeshi state in the World Health Organization.[4] Diplomatic relations Bangladesh and the Yemen Arab Republic were established in 1973 when North Yemen recognized Bangladesh.[5] According to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the opening of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the Yemen Arab Republic (as well as several other Arab states) came about as a result of the support of Bangladesh to the Arab cause in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.[6][7]