[25/02/2026 07:29]

ADEN – SABA
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Afrah al-Zouba held Wednesday a virtual meeting with the German Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Friedrich Schneider.

She discussed with him strengthening joint development cooperation between the two countries across a number of vital sectors.

The meeting addressed priority areas of cooperation led by water and sanitation, technical education and vocational training, health, fisheries, peacebuilding and social stability.

It also explored prospects for engaging the private sector in the economic recovery process in light of the government’s adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy document.

Minister al-Zouba reviewed the priorities of the government program based on the Economic Recovery Plan, Presidential Leadership Council Resolution No. (11), and the reform agenda agreed upon with international and regional partners.

These priorities include security and political stability, economic recovery, improving basic services in health, education, electricity, and infrastructure, as well as strengthening governance, transparency and anti-corruption efforts.

She emphasized the importance of safeguarding development gains and joint investments in Yemeni institutions built over decades of cooperation.

The Minister stressed the need for close coordination between German institutions and the relevant ministries to ensure program sustainability and maximize impact. She also highlighted promising investment opportunities in industrial zones, specialized healthcare services, agriculture and fisheries.

Dr. al-Zouba further noted that the Ministry is undertaking comprehensive institutional reforms, including an institutional assessment to develop a reform roadmap aimed at creating a more enabling environment for absorbing international support and enhancing coordination with partners.

She underscored the importance of balancing support for local authorities with coordination with central institutions to prevent institutional fragmentation and ensure the integration of development efforts.

For his part, the German Ambassador praised the depth of the Minister’s proposals, affirming that the German-Yemeni partnership, which has spanned more than half a century, provides a solid foundation to build upon.

He confirmed that the German Development Bank will continue supporting development projects in Yemen, while the Berghof Foundation will remain engaged in peacebuilding and stability programs.

The Ambassador also highlighted the strength of Yemeni-German economic ties through the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and emphasized the importance of fostering a stable environment to attract investments.

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