The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation took the oath of office before the President of the Presidential Leadership Council.

New Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Sworn In

On Saturday, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, administered the oath of office to Mohammed Abdullah Ahmed Al-Faqmi, who has been appointed as the new Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

Presidential Meeting with the New Minister

Following the oath-taking ceremony, President Alimi met with Minister Al-Faqmi to congratulate him on his new role. The President praised Al-Faqmi’s academic and professional journey, highlighting his extensive experience in diplomacy, multilateral relations, and work with the United Nations and international economic institutions.

Confidence in Minister Al-Faqmi’s Expertise

President Alimi expressed confidence that Al-Faqmi’s expertise would significantly enhance the ministry’s operations and its relationships with Yemen’s regional and international partners. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the ministry’s role in setting national priorities, promoting the government’s agenda and economic reforms, mobilizing resources, and coordinating international partnerships.

Revitalizing Financial Partnerships

The President directed the Council to build on the achievements made in restoring and expanding partnerships with financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF), after years of stagnation. He urged collaboration with the government, the Central Bank, and relevant authorities to reactivate Yemen’s relationships with regional and international funding bodies, aiming to secure additional support for comprehensive reform programs.

Acknowledging Support from Saudi Arabia

In this context, President Alimi commended the generous and ongoing support from Saudi Arabia for the government’s reform agenda. This support includes assistance for the public budget, ensuring timely salary payments for employees, improving essential services, and funding developmental and humanitarian programs across various sectors.

Strengthening Partnerships for Stability

The President described the partnership with Saudi Arabia as a model for leveraging support to drive reforms, stability, and institutional recovery. He instructed the Ministry of Planning to build on this trajectory, enhance trust with donors and regional and international partners, and encourage them to expand their impactful interventions. This approach aims to improve the state’s capacity to meet its essential obligations to citizens.

Transitioning to Recovery and Reconstruction

President Alimi stressed the need to shift from managing emergency needs to planning for recovery and reconstruction. He called for prioritizing projects that focus on community resilience, particularly in education, health, water, electricity, food security, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure.

Supporting International Humanitarian Organizations

The President also emphasized the importance of facilitating the work of international and humanitarian organizations operating from the temporary capital, Aden. He urged coordination with the Prime Minister’s office, local authorities, and relevant entities to address any administrative or procedural challenges these organizations face, ensuring that aid reaches those in need across various provinces.

Prioritizing Displaced Persons and Vulnerable Groups

Additionally, President Alimi highlighted the necessity of keeping displaced persons and the most affected groups at the forefront of international cooperation efforts. He called for improving basic services in host areas and linking humanitarian assistance to more sustainable programs in education, health, job opportunities, and livelihoods. This should occur alongside creating conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced individuals as soon as possible.

Developing a National Database for Projects

The President underscored the importance of developing a national database for projects, needs, and international funding. This initiative will help the government identify gaps, enhance resource allocation efficiency, and measure the actual impact of developmental and humanitarian interventions on citizens’ lives and state institutions’ capabilities.

Conclusion

The meeting included the presence of Dr. Yahya Al-Shaibi, Director of the Presidential Office, marking a significant step in Yemen’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance and international partnerships.

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