Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, held a virtual meeting today with the European Union Ambassador to Yemen, Gabriel Munuera Viñals, to discuss ways to strengthen the development partnership between Yemen and the European Union.

Dr. Al-Zouba outlined the priorities of the new government, in line with the directives of His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the government’s programme, which focuses on promoting economic growth, implementing fiscal and monetary reforms, strengthening state institutions, and improving public services, particularly in the health and education sectors.

The Minister emphasized the importance of localizing development efforts by strengthening national institutions and project implementation units and enhancing their capacities, describing this as a strategic investment for both the current phase and Yemen’s future reconstruction. She also underscored the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation’s central role in leading international cooperation, coordinating development projects, and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of partner-funded programmes.

Dr. Al-Zouba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilizing international support and directing it in line with national priorities while rebuilding donor confidence through greater transparency, accountability, and stronger government leadership in coordinating international development cooperation.

For his part, Ambassador Gabriel Munuera Viñals reaffirmed that Yemen remains a priority for the European Union and reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting economic reforms, private sector development, good governance, and domestic revenue mobilization.

The two sides agreed to continue close coordination and expand cooperation in priority areas that contribute to Yemen’s development and long-term stability.