[30/06/2025 06:09]

ADEN - SABA
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries Salem al-Suqtri discussed Monday with the Japanese Ambassador to Yemen Youninchi Nakashima ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.

In the meeting held via video conference, Minister Al-Suqtri praised the strong Yemeni-Japanese relations that have lasted for decades, forming a solid foundation for building promising future partnerships that serve the interests of both friendly countries.

He reviewed the challenges facing the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Yemen amid the multiple crises the country has endured, particularly the ongoing war for nearly a decade, the impacts of climate change, including hurricanes and floods, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war that has affected wheat imports, as well as rising food prices due to escalating tensions in the Red Sea.

The minister noted that over 70% of Yemen's workforce relies on agriculture and fisheries as their main source of livelihood, making it essential to double the support directed to these sectors to mitigate the accumulated damages.

Al-Suqtri appreciated the support provided by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in various fields, including the establishment of marine science research centers, aquaculture, and marine pollution, along with the provision of specialized research vessels since the 1980s, which has contributed to the development of the fishing sector.

He called for expanding developmental interventions, including support for investment in agriculture and fisheries, rehabilitating the ministry's research centers, and implementing projects to support rural women.

For his part, Ambassador Nakashima confirmed Japan's commitment to supporting developing countries affected by climate change, including Yemen, emphasizing the importance of enhancing joint cooperation to intensify developmental efforts.

He noted that the upcoming phase will include coordinating meetings to determine priorities for interventions in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

---