Minister of Planning Discusses Reviving Development Cooperation Between the Two Countries with Italian Ambassador

[03/05/2026 05:39]
Aden - Saba

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr Afrah Al-Zuba, discussed today, via video conference, with the Italian Ambassador to Yemen, Carlo Baldocchi, the reactivation of development cooperation between the two countries and the exploration of new avenues for partnership.

The meeting addressed possibilities for future cooperation in several areas, including technical support, institutional capacity building, cultural heritage and biodiversity, adaptation to climate change and its implications for productive sectors, as well as opportunities for multilateral cooperation through European Union institutions.

Minister Al-Zuba outlined the government’s policies under the leadership of Dr Shae’a Mohsen Al-Zandani, and the priorities of the government’s programme in the areas of economic recovery, improving basic services, and institutional reform, noting the serious steps taken by the government in this direction, including the development of government institutions and the strengthening of coordination with international partners.

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation highlighted the historic relations between the two countries, dating back nearly a century, and the rich legacy of Italian cooperation with Yemen, which has spanned the sectors of health, education, infrastructure, cultural heritage, the environment and maritime security. She expressed her hope to restore this partnership to its rightful place.

For his part, the Italian Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the efforts being made by the Yemeni government, noting that Italy was the first country to establish friendly relations with Yemen a century ago. He expressed his readiness to begin coordination with officials at the Development Agency and to explore new forms of cooperation in line with the priorities of the current phase. 

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)