Our country participates in the Arab Economic and Social Council ministerial meeting in Cairo.
Yemen Participates in Arab Economic and Social Council Meeting
The Republic of Yemen participated today in the 115th regular session of the Arab Economic and Social Council, held in Cairo, Egypt. The Yemeni delegation was led by Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohammed Al-Ashwal.
Key Discussions Led by Bahrain
The meeting, chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain and attended by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, included ministers, ambassadors, and heads of delegations from various Arab countries and specialized Arab organizations. During his address, Minister Al-Ashwal highlighted the significance of this session amid a series of global and regional developments. He noted that natural disasters, crises, and recent significant events in the Arab region have reshaped the global landscape.
Addressing Water Security Threats
Al-Ashwal emphasized the ongoing threats to water security, particularly due to attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, as well as their control over the port of Hodeidah. He pointed out the severe negative impacts of these actions and stressed the need to prepare for the economic and social repercussions. Al-Ashwal called for collective action to address the complex and dangerous challenges facing the Arab region, expressing hope for decisions that would benefit joint Arab efforts.
Support for Yemen’s Development Needs
During the meeting, the council unanimously adopted a resolution to support the development needs and infrastructure projects in Yemen. This resolution aims to assist the Yemeni government in alleviating the suffering of its people due to the war waged by the Houthi militia. It also urged member states, specialized Arab organizations, and funding institutions to enhance their efforts in addressing the acute shortages of food, medicine, and other essential needs in Yemen.
Urgent Measures for Economic and Social Crises
The resolution underscored the importance of implementing effective measures to tackle economic and social crises. It called on funding bodies and donors to provide urgent assistance and to pay greater attention to plans aimed at rescuing and improving essential services, including health, electricity, and water.
Broader Arab Cooperation Initiatives
The Economic and Social Council also issued several important decisions aimed at strengthening Arab cooperation. These included discussions on the economic and social agenda for the upcoming Arab League summit, developments in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, the Arab Customs Union, and investments in Arab countries. Additionally, the council addressed the Arab strategy for water security, agreements on tax exemptions for Arab air carriers, and measures for maritime transport of passengers and goods. Other topics included a roadmap for cooperation in emergency preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear incidents, as well as the establishment of the Arab Drug Agency.
Yemeni Delegation Participation
The Yemeni delegation included Dr. Ali Saleh, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Yemen to the Arab League, along with several relevant officials.
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