The Planning Minister discusses enhancing developmental cooperation in vital sectors with the German ambassador.
Minister of Planning Discusses Development Cooperation with German Ambassador
Virtual Meeting Focuses on Key Sectors
Today, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, held a virtual meeting with Thomas Friedrich Schneider, the German Ambassador to Yemen. The discussion centered on enhancing development cooperation between Yemen and Germany across several vital sectors.
Priority Areas for Collaboration
The meeting highlighted priority areas for collaboration, including water and sanitation, technical education and vocational training, health, fisheries, and community peacebuilding. Additionally, they explored opportunities for private sector involvement in Yemen’s economic recovery, particularly in light of the government’s recent adoption of a public-private partnership policy.
Government Program Priorities Outlined
Minister Al-Zuba presented the government’s program priorities, which are based on the economic rescue plan and Presidential Leadership Council Decision No. (11). This agenda aligns with agreed-upon reforms with international and regional partners. Key focus areas include political and security stability, economic recovery, and improvements in essential services such as health, education, electricity, and infrastructure. The minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding developmental gains and investments in Yemeni institutions built over decades of cooperation.
Call for Close Coordination
The Minister stressed the need for close coordination between German institutions and relevant ministries to ensure program sustainability and maximize impact. She also highlighted promising investment opportunities in industrial zones, specialized health services, agriculture, and fisheries.
Institutional Reform Initiatives
Dr. Al-Zuba noted that her ministry is undertaking comprehensive institutional reforms. This includes conducting an institutional assessment to develop a reform roadmap that fosters a better environment for international support and enhances coordination with partners. She underscored the importance of balancing support for local authorities with coordination with central institutions to prevent institutional fragmentation and ensure cohesive development efforts.
German Ambassador’s Support
In response, Ambassador Schneider praised the depth of the topics raised by Minister Al-Zuba. He affirmed that the longstanding German-Yemeni partnership, which has lasted over half a century, provides a solid foundation for future collaboration. He assured that the German Development Bank would continue its support for development projects in Yemen, while the Berghof Foundation remains committed to peacebuilding and stability programs.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The ambassador also pointed to the strong economic ties between Yemen and Germany, facilitated by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce. He emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment to attract investments.
This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing Yemen’s pressing developmental challenges.
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