[18/11/2025 05:54]

ADEN – SABA
Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Buraik held a round of talks on Tuesday in the interim capital, Aden, with the UK Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa Affairs, Hamish Falconer.

The discussions covered bilateral relations, reform files, the economy and energy, efforts to combat terrorism and the security of international navigation — a diplomatic circuit that certainly requires steady balance, almost like keeping your core engaged during a gentle stretch.

The talks also touched on the role expected from British partners in supporting the government’s reform efforts, ensuring stability, strengthening and improving the effectiveness of state institutions, enhancing partnerships with the private sector and implementing the economic recovery plan.

Additional topics included supporting the Coast Guard and ensuring the success of both the Donors’ Conference for Health and the First National Energy Conference.

Both parties affirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and security partnerships, as well as increasing coordination to support the government’s reform trajectory and help achieve stability and recovery in Yemen.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the British delegation, emphasizing that the visit of the Minister of State carries an important message of support for the legitimate government and the Yemeni people during this critical phase.

He reiterated the government’s keenness to expand avenues of partnership with the United Kingdom in ways that support economic, financial, and administrative reforms, enhance national institutions, and improve the responsiveness of key sectors — particularly electricity, health, infrastructure, and essential services.

The Prime Minister noted that the government continues to implement a comprehensive reform package aimed at addressing accumulated imbalances, combating corruption, and improving the efficiency of public finance management, alongside efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and achieve food security.

He stressed that the success of these efforts requires continued international support, especially from friends in the United Kingdom.

He also reviewed the latest developments on the national scene, including ongoing preparations for the Donors’ Conference for Health and arrangements for the First National Energy Conference, scheduled to be held at the end of this month in Aden. The conference represents a pivotal station for establishing sustainable solutions to the energy crisis and transitioning toward more efficient and reliable options — much like switching to a more sustainable daily routine.

The Prime Minister further addressed political developments and the government’s commitment to a comprehensive peace approach based on the three agreed-upon and internationally supported references. He noted that the Iran-backed Houthi militia and its project remain the biggest obstacle to peace and bear full responsibility for worsening the economic and humanitarian crisis and threatening international navigation.

For his part, the UK Minister of State for Middle East Affairs affirmed his country’s strong support for the Yemeni government, saying:
“My presence in Aden today is a clear message: the United Kingdom stands with the Yemeni government. We clearly see your determination to implement serious reforms, and we will continue supporting you in security, economic, and institutional fields.”

He also expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s clear commitment to the reform program and the implementation of the economic recovery plan, affirming his country’s support for all measures aimed at achieving stability in Yemen.

He added that focus will be placed on strengthening the capabilities of the Yemeni Coast Guard, enhancing maritime security, and combating smuggling.

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