[11/08/2025 05:36]

ADEN - SABA
The Yemeni-Gulf joint committee held its twenty-third meeting Monday via video conference to discuss ongoing arrangements for the upcoming International Conference on Food Security, scheduled for October 2025 and organized by the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The meeting also addressed the outstanding debts owed to regional financial institutions.

Dr. Waed Badhib, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, expressed his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the GCC for organizing this meeting.

He noted that food insecurity and lack of livelihoods are among the main challenges facing Yemen, with approximately 72% of the population suffering from severe and moderate food insecurity, threatening food availability for most citizens.

Dr. Badhib explained that the primary factors contributing to rising food insecurity levels in Yemen include the ongoing conflict and fragility caused by the war ignited by Houthi terrorist militias.

This has led to the division of government institutions and weakened political and economic stability, in addition to rising food prices, droughts, floods, climate changes, limited livelihood opportunities and funding shortages.

He emphasized that the International Conference on Food Security would be a positive turning point for Yemen and its people.

The Minister affirmed the government's full readiness with the required working papers, studied projects, and strategies related to food security, hoping that the conference would mobilize funding and commitments for food security projects.

Badhib also highlighted the importance of seeking solutions to address overdue debts while considering Yemen's difficult financial circumstances, noting that all preparations for the conference would be reported to the Prime Minister.

In turn, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Salim al-Soqotri praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the GCC in preparing for the conference.

He appreciated the generous support from GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the assistance provided by various development partners, donors, organizations, and international funds to Yemen.

Al-Soqotri indicated that the International Conference on Food Security represents a pivotal moment to enhance national efforts in addressing the serious challenges related to food insecurity in Yemen.

He stressed that the agricultural and fisheries sectors are the backbone of national food security and a primary source of livelihoods for millions of Yemenis.

He also mentioned that the ministry has developed a comprehensive food security strategy that includes programs and development projects aimed at increasing local production, improving water resource management, expanding modern irrigation projects, encouraging agricultural and fisheries investment, and enhancing storage and marketing capacities, alongside protecting natural resources from degradation and addressing climate challenges.

He clarified that the matrix of projects prepared by the ministry focuses on urgent, medium, and long-term interventions, including support for farmers and fishermen, improving market infrastructure and fish landing centers, and adopting sustainable production technologies.

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