Council member Al-Zubaidi: We seek a greater European role in supporting development projects in Yemen.

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Major General Aidarus Qassem Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, welcomed key European diplomats at the presidential palace in Maashiq, Aden. The meeting included Gabriel Munuera, the head of the European Union mission in Yemen, Catherine Colonna, the French Ambassador, and Janet Sebin, the Dutch Ambassador.

Acknowledging Humanitarian Efforts

At the beginning of the meeting, General Al-Zubaidi expressed his pleasure in hosting the diplomats in Yemen’s temporary capital, Aden. He praised the European Union’s role in supporting Yemen and highlighted the humanitarian assistance provided to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing economic crisis. This crisis stems from the Houthi militia’s attacks on oil export facilities, which are vital to Yemen’s national economy.

Addressing Economic and Humanitarian Challenges

General Al-Zubaidi outlined the numerous challenges facing Yemen, particularly in economic and humanitarian sectors. He emphasized the Presidential Leadership Council’s desire for greater involvement from European Union countries in supporting economic recovery efforts. He specifically mentioned the need for assistance in improving living conditions and funding sustainable development projects, especially in electricity, education, and healthcare.

Call for International Cooperation

The General stressed the importance of intensified international efforts to build institutions and achieve stability in Yemen. He urged the return of embassies and diplomatic missions to operate from Aden, which would bolster the Council’s efforts to restore stability in the country.

Discussing Political Developments and Peace Efforts

The meeting also addressed the latest political developments and regional efforts to end the war and establish peace. Following the recent U.S. decision to reclassify the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization, General Al-Zubaidi called on European Union countries to adopt similar measures. He viewed this classification as a crucial first step in curbing the militia’s actions and countering its terrorist plans.

Commitment to Continued Support

In response, the head of the European Union mission and the ambassadors of France and the Netherlands reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to supporting Yemen. They emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with the Presidential Leadership Council and the government in both developmental and humanitarian areas. They also expressed the European Union’s dedication to supporting reforms aimed at addressing the economic crisis caused by the Houthi militia’s actions and attacks on oil facilities and international shipping routes.

Conclusion: A Shared Priority for Stability

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides underscored the necessity of ongoing cooperation and coordination to support peace and development in Yemen. They agreed that the stability of the country represents a shared priority that serves the security and peace of the region.

Attendees

The meeting also included several key ministers: Dr. Abdulnasser Al-Wali, Minister of Civil Service and Insurance; Major General Salem Al-Saqtri, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Dr. Abdul Salam Hamid, Minister of Transport; Dr. Mohammed Al-Zahouri, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor; Ahmed Lamlas, Minister of State and Governor of Aden; and Engineer Mani Bin Yamin, Minister of Electricity and Energy.

 

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