[02/08/2026 05:31]

RIYADH-SABA

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba met on Sunday with Japan's Ambassador to Yemen, Yoichi Nakashima, to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At the outset of the meeting, Al-Zouba extended her heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the government and people of Japan over the victims of the earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture. She wished a speedy recovery to the injured, expressed hope for the safe recovery of those missing, and voiced confidence that Japan would overcome the impact of the disaster.

The foreign minister praised Japan's longstanding support for Yemen in the fields of development, institution-building, food security, health, and education, as well as the development projects it finances through United Nations agencies. She reaffirmed the Yemeni government's aspiration to expand cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in development and reconstruction.

Al-Zouba also reviewed the latest developments in Yemen, highlighting Houthi threats to international shipping and global trade. She stressed the need to safeguard vital maritime routes and support Yemen's state institutions. She also welcomed the launch of the Saudi-led multinational Defensive Maritime Coalition, describing it as an important step toward strengthening maritime security and stability in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

For his part, Ambassador Nakashima reaffirmed Japan's continued support for the Yemeni government and people and underscored his country's commitment to sustaining economic, humanitarian, and development assistance to Yemen.

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