The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirm support for the central bank’s independence and its role in ensuring financial stability.

Prime Minister Affirms Support for Central Bank Independence

In a significant meeting held in Aden, Prime Minister Dr. Shaya Mohsen Al-Zandani reaffirmed the government’s full support for the independence of the Central Bank of Yemen. He emphasized the bank’s crucial role in achieving financial and monetary stability, which is vital for boosting confidence in the national economy. The Prime Minister described the Central Bank as the first line of defense against economic challenges and a protector of the banking sector’s integrity.

Meeting Overview

The meeting took place on Wednesday and included the Central Bank’s Board of Directors, led by Governor Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Mabqi. Participants discussed the current financial and monetary situation, focusing on priorities for the upcoming period amid ongoing economic complexities.

Financial Developments and Challenges

During the meeting, the Prime Minister received a comprehensive briefing from the Central Bank Governor. This briefing covered key developments from the first quarter of the year, including performance indicators for both internal and external balances, the status of the public budget, and the level of foreign reserves. The discussion also addressed existing commitments and potential strategies for managing them, particularly in light of regional crises affecting transportation, insurance costs, energy prices, and essential goods.

Policy Enhancements and Solutions

The Prime Minister reviewed the outcomes of the Central Bank’s third Board of Directors meeting. The board proposed several decisions aimed at enhancing monetary policy tools and improving institutional performance. Key among these proposals were solutions to address liquidity shortages and options for managing these challenges based on market requirements and current economic conditions.

IMF Consultation Insights

Additionally, the Prime Minister was briefed on the discussions held by the Executive Directors regarding the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Article IV consultation report with Yemen. The report included evaluations and recommendations that support economic reform efforts and enhance financial stability.

Commitment to Central Bank Support

The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing all forms of support to the Central Bank. This support aims to strengthen the bank’s decision-making independence and enhance its monetary policy management capabilities. He stressed the importance of integrating financial and monetary policies to effectively tackle current challenges and achieve economic recovery.

Central Bank Governor’s Appreciation

In response, the Central Bank Governor expressed gratitude for the support from the Presidential Leadership Council and the government. He highlighted that this backing is essential for enabling the bank to perform its duties efficiently and independently. The Governor also noted that the support would facilitate the implementation of policies aimed at improving economic indicators and ensuring stability in the coming period.

This meeting underscores the government’s proactive approach to addressing Yemen’s economic challenges and its commitment to fostering a stable financial environment.

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