The Prime Minister meets with the Acting Head of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Today in Washington, Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak met with Jason Gray, the Acting Head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The two leaders discussed the implementation of the recent decision to classify the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization. They also focused on collaborative efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need while addressing the Houthi militia’s violations against humanitarian workers.

Historic Decision to Classify Houthis as Terrorists

During the meeting, Prime Minister bin Mubarak emphasized the necessity of designating the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization. He described this decision as both crucial and historic, aimed at pressuring the militia and preventing them from exploiting humanitarian efforts and Yemen’s economic infrastructure to fund their war. The Prime Minister stressed that the immediate priority is to develop a joint strategy for implementing this decision. This strategy should increase pressure on the Houthis without adversely affecting the humanitarian situation or the lives of citizens across Yemen.

Addressing Violations Against Humanitarian Workers

The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing violations committed by the Houthi militia against humanitarian and international organization workers, including persistent arrest campaigns. He noted that the Houthis impose punitive measures against the Yemeni people and anyone attempting to assist them. The Prime Minister welcomed the United Nations’ pressure in response to the recent arrests of humanitarian workers by the Houthi militia. He urged that the Houthis should not be allowed to use the abduction of humanitarian workers as a means of extortion.

Strengthening U.S.-Yemen Relations

Prime Minister bin Mubarak praised the exceptional relationship and level of cooperation between the Yemeni government and USAID, recognizing it as the humanitarian and developmental arm of the U.S. government abroad. He acknowledged the significant humanitarian support provided by the U.S. government, which stands as one of the largest humanitarian donors to Yemen in recent times.

Economic Recovery and International Support

The Prime Minister also discussed the government’s plan for economic recovery. He underscored the importance of bolstering the government’s economic capabilities across all sectors. He asserted that empowering the government to fulfill its responsibilities is a priority that serves Yemeni, regional, and international interests. He called for directing international funding and support to align with the government’s priorities.

Commitment to Continued Support

In response, Jason Gray welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Yemen. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the Yemeni government while considering the implications of the Houthi militia’s classification as a foreign terrorist organization.

Attendees of the Meeting

The meeting also included the presence of Yemen’s Ambassador to Washington, Mohammed Al-Hadrami, and the Prime Minister’s advisor, Ambassador Mujib Othman.

This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Yemen and the United States, particularly in the face of ongoing humanitarian challenges and the need for economic recovery in Yemen.

 

To follow the news in Arabic