Meeting held with the U.S. Agency for International Development to enhance and streamline international support mechanisms for Yemen.

Washington, D.C. — A Collaborative Session with USAID

Today, a significant government meeting took place in Washington, D.C., involving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This session coincided with the participation of a Yemeni government and central bank delegation in the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Key Participants and Discussions

The meeting included prominent figures such as Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Waed Badhieb; Minister of Finance, Salem bin Bureik; Central Bank Governor, Ahmed Ghaleb; and Yemen’s Ambassador to Washington, Mohammed Al-Hadhrami. USAID representatives included Andrew Plitt, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East, along with Sonali Kird, Assistant Administrator for Humanitarian Operations, and Sylvia Ayoub, Head of the Middle East Division.

The discussions centered on balancing developmental and humanitarian support, especially in light of declining international funding for humanitarian programs. Participants also explored partnership opportunities between the Yemeni government and USAID aimed at strengthening institutional capacities in key economic sectors.

Addressing Humanitarian Challenges

The session highlighted the severe repercussions of the Houthi militia’s violations against humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff. The Yemeni government expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s role as Yemen’s largest humanitarian supporter in recent years. Officials praised the partnership with USAID in building institutional capacities, particularly in essential economic sectors, and acknowledged the agency’s efforts to stabilize services in health and education.

Future Cooperation and Strategic Planning

The Yemeni side emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement signed in March, which aims to support Yemen’s transition to a better future. This agreement serves as a model for partnership with donors, focusing on strategic interventions aligned with urgent priorities. Officials stressed the need to reinstate livelihood support programs, which are crucial for improving the economic conditions of families and communities.

Condemning Houthi Violations

Participants underscored the necessity of taking strong positions against the Houthi militia’s violations. They called for actions that would protect victims and apply pressure on the militia to cease its grave abuses.

USAID’s Commitment to Support Yemen

In response, USAID officials acknowledged the challenges faced by the Yemeni government and expressed their commitment to providing support aligned with the government’s priorities. They reiterated that the continuation and development of their humanitarian, developmental, and institutional support programs remain top priorities. USAID officials condemned the Houthi militia’s practices, which distort facts and exacerbate the suffering of Yemenis by complicating and restricting the role of relief organizations and targeting their staff.

This meeting marks a crucial step in enhancing international support for Yemen, ensuring that aid aligns with the country’s pressing needs and strategic goals.

 

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