The Planning Minister discusses ways to enhance developmental cooperation with the Dutch ambassador.

Minister of Planning Discusses Development Cooperation with Dutch Ambassador

Virtual Meeting Highlights Collaborative Efforts

Today, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, held a virtual meeting with Dutch Ambassador to Yemen, Janet Seppen. The discussion focused on existing cooperation and strategies for enhancing collaboration in the coming phases.

Long-standing Support from the Netherlands

Both officials reviewed the extensive support that the Netherlands has provided to Yemen over the years. This assistance spans several critical sectors, particularly water management. The Netherlands leads in bilateral cooperation through projects aimed at integrated water resource management and modern irrigation techniques. These initiatives align with the expertise of the Institute for Water and Environment (IHE) at Delft University of Technology, which specializes in water sciences and environmental engineering. The collaboration includes training Yemeni professionals and transferring Dutch expertise in this vital area.

Focus on Health and Justice Initiatives

The conversation also addressed Dutch support in maternal and child health, where the Netherlands ranks as a key donor. Additionally, they discussed programs aimed at enhancing access to justice and the rule of law in cities like Aden and Mukalla. Efforts to empower women and foster youth leadership were also highlighted, including the “Hikma” fellowship program, which has successfully trained national professionals for significant roles in both public and private sectors.

Exploring New Avenues for Future Cooperation

The meeting explored new areas for future collaboration, such as international arbitration and building legal capacities for the Yemeni government through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. They also discussed activating Dutch and European development financing tools to support private sector participation in development and expanding institutional capacity-building programs for government ministries.

Commitment to Strengthening Partnerships

Minister Al-Zouba emphasized that the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation serves as the central hub for coordinating international collaboration. She expressed her eagerness to deepen the partnership with the Netherlands, recognizing it as a development ally that combines rich developmental experience with a strong tradition of the rule of law.

Ambassador Seppen’s Assurance of Support

In response, Ambassador Seppen affirmed that the Netherlands aligns its programs with the priorities of the Yemeni government. She expressed readiness to explore all possible avenues to enhance support and achieve integration that maximizes developmental impact.

This meeting underscores the commitment of both nations to foster a collaborative environment that addresses Yemen’s pressing developmental needs.

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