Minister of Planning discusses strengthening bilateral cooperation with Chinese Embassy chargé daffaires

[09/03/2026 09:37]
Aden - Saba

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba discussed today, via video conference, with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Yemen, Zhao Zheng, ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand the horizons of development and economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The meeting discussed ways to activate the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative signed between the two countries in 2019 and explore possibilities to benefit from Chinese expertise in the fields of solar energy and infrastructure projects, as well as capacity building and scholarships.

The two sides also agreed on the importance of reactivating the Yemeni-Chinese Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation as an institutional framework for coordinating bilateral cooperation and strengthening direct communication with the Chinese Agency for International Development Cooperation.

Minister Al-Zuba expressed the Yemeni government's appreciation for China's continued support for Yemen. She reviewed the priorities of the government programme and opportunities for cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, electricity, port and infrastructure development, industrial zones, minerals and natural resources.

She affirmed that Yemen considers China an important development and strategic partner and that the ministry is ready to coordinate all aspects of cooperation with the Chinese side.

For his part, the Chinese chargé d'affaires announced his government's decision to provide a new development grant of 15 million Chinese yuan to support reconstruction and development efforts, with the agreement to be signed with the ministry.

He also noted that China has granted Yemen full customs exemption for all Yemeni products exported to it, thereby enhancing trade exchange and opening new horizons for Yemeni exporters.

The chargé d'affaires noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and that China will host the second Arab-Chinese summit, expressing his hope for high-level Yemeni participation. He affirmed that China will continue to support Yemen in all ways for reconstruction and expand grant and training programmes in the fields of technology, medicine, agriculture and public administration.