Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, held a virtual meeting today with Charles Harper, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Director at the British Embassy to Yemen, to discuss ways to strengthen development cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting covered a range of priority issues, including strengthening the capacity of state institutions, improving economic data and information systems, enhancing the Ministry of Planning’s role in coordinating international cooperation, facilitating the work of development partners, ensuring the effective implementation of development programmes, empowering national institutions, investing in human capital, and simplifying administrative procedures related to the work of international organizations and donors.

Dr. Al-Zouba outlined the priorities of the new government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Shaye Al-Zindani, in line with the directives of Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi. She also reviewed the United Kingdom’s longstanding support for Yemen in the areas of economic and financial stability, energy, health, and governance, as well as its ongoing cooperation with several Yemeni government institutions across these sectors.

For his part, Charles Harper expressed optimism about the new phase of cooperation and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s readiness to provide technical and institutional support to the Government of Yemen while working closely with the Ministry of Planning to advance the country’s development and stability priorities.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations and deepen coordination through existing partnership mechanisms. They also agreed to organize a joint visit by representatives of international donor organizations to the temporary capital, Aden, in the coming period to strengthen direct engagement with the Government of Yemen and gain first-hand insight into ongoing development efforts on the ground.